Families Hampshire North January/February 22 Digital

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IN THIS ISSUE

Education Clubs & Classes New Year, New You

January/February 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk January/February 1

CLUBS & CLASSES NEWS

Happy, Confident New Year from Perform

Book a FREE Trial today!

Perform, the UK’s biggest centrally run drama school, is getting 2022 off to a flying start with a new term of classes focusing on building confidence and social skills.

How have your children adjusted after the pandemic? Many have struggled to reconnect and reestablish their old friendships and confidence.

Child psychologist and author, Linda Blair, says that classes like these: “can help children recover from social isolation as they encourage communication and effective social interactions. Drama helps a child’s ability to understand and interpret things like eye contact and can help in countless other ways both socially and cognitively.”

Fortunately, Perform classes are packed with confidence-boosting drama-based games and activities, allowing every child to shine as we explore two exciting termly themes.

Children ages 4 to 7 will trek off on a jungle adventure while ages 7 to 12 enjoy a thrilling adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.

What’s more, Perform’s jungle theme becomes a West End musical during February half-term, featuring a professional adult cast, stunning costumes and fabulous music. Click HERE for more details and to book tickets.

2 January/February

Local Perform Venues: Andover: Andover Leisure Centre, SP10 1QP Basingstoke: Beggarwood Community Centre, RG22 4AQ Bramley: Clift Meadow Pavillion, RG26 5BH Fleet: Zebon Community Centre, GU52 0ZE Hartley Whitney: Victoria Halls, RG27 8RQ Book a no-obligation FREE trial at a local class in Andover, Basingstoke, Bramley, Fleet or Hartley Whitney HERE, or call 020 7255 9120. ** SPECIAL OFFER ** Perform is offering Families Hampshire readers a special £40 introductory discount on bookings made by 7 February – just quote HN70222.

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CONTENTS

In this issue

Welcome

2 4 6 10 12 14 15 21 24

Happy New Year everyone! Let’s hope 2022 is an easier year for everybody.

Clubs & Classes News Education Early years What’s on Winter warmers New Year, New You Activities Family life

If you’ve made a resolution to prioritise your health this year, then plan to change ‘just one thing.’ Find inspiration in our New Year, New You feature.

Get in touch Competition winners from our September/October issue Sally Garbutt, Joanne Banks, Petra Dias, Frankie Salter, Nichola Woad, Cindy Baldwin, Alina Ali, Cherelle St Hilaire, Gemma Lovegrove and Farrah Orr who received a Tales of Me book and to Hina Wajahat, Claire Goodfellow and Fran Dobbins who received an Art Lab Pouring Studio.

And, for the recipients of plasticine gifts or Equazen family packs, click here.

Win a Gingersnap Balance Bike Ages worth 2 to 4 years £119!

Perfect to get little adventurers started!

In Education, discover how children learn to write and download our free practice sheets. Concerned your child may not be ready for SATs? Find out how to help.

And cheer up the dull winter months with some great activity and entertainment options.

Finally, with our children’s mental health always at the top of our priority list, we have Happiness is…Mental Health Activity Packs for kids to give away. So don’t forget to apply! And sign up HERE to receive every issue of this magazine free to your inbox.

FREE Mental Health Activity Pack from Storytime for your child* 14 pages of fun activities

ESS is...

HAPPIN Y PACK! IT IV T AC

parents, faced by about llenges dren to talk est cha ted this chil we crea , and the bigg rs is helping is why One of first . That and care . read it r feelings teachers that you with your kids it l with thei mmend vities in and dea pack! We reco and acti activity re the ideas then sha

APPLY HERE

.

Be cool .

Be kind Be you!

pack: ........ 2 e this tions ................................. 4 Insidgnis ....... ing Emo bows 5

Reco .............

Like Rain s Are ..............

6 Feeling .........

Box ....... e Tool .............. .7 ..............

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Fun with .......... ness Diar akes .............. .. 9 Grateful of Mist .............. cake s! .......

10 The Pan Emotion ............. ve with .............. ... 11 lings Get Acti d!

Fee l Goo About to Fee Talking ....... 13 Can Do .............. gs You .......

Thin . 14 30 .............. .............. e You! ..............

Awesom piness of Hap ....... 15 Your Jar Pack... ..............

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cial a spe p re is hel can 0, the e 17-2 how you and get ce With On pag about otions! resilien section build their em kids e with your fortabl m 2021 com agazine.co storytimem © www.

APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

*while stocks last.

T&C’s apply.

T&Cs apply

January/February 3

NEWS

Help fund vital research by joining Wear A Hat Day Join thousands of children, parents and teachers on Friday 25 March for Wear A Hat Day – a great way to bring people together and raise vital funds for leading charity Brain Tumour Research.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this. Funds raised from Wear A Hat Day will help towards establishing a new Research Centre of Excellence.

Coming at the end of March, Brain Tumour Awareness Month, several celebrities are supporting this hattastic campaign.

The latest set of collectable Wear A Hat Day pin badges have a regal theme in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. Order your box of badges to sell during registration!

Register your school, community or family event HERE and receive a free fundraising pack!

Danny Clarke

Dame Sheila Hancock DBE

Caprice Bourret

Sarah Beeny

www.wearahatday.org MARCH 2022

4 January/February

#WearAHatDay

Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland)

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CLUBS & CLASSES NEWS

Stagecoach classes enrolling for the new term

Book a FREE Trial today!

Stagecoach teach children ages 4 to 18 so much more than how to sing, dance and act. They help them blossom into well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace life and all its opportunities.

Imagine your child making friends, growing in confidence and learning new skills whilst exploring the wonderful world of their imagination.

Your child does not need previous dancing, singing or acting ability.

No auditions are required – just a willingness to give it a go!

Professional industry members and incredible teachers are at the ready to lead fun, creative sessions.

They will work with each student to improve their confidence in singing, dancing and acting.

Early Stages Classes Children are introduced to singing, dancing and acting classes.

Children learn new songs, rhythm, timing and how sounds are formed.

Dancing classes give kids the confidence to try new dance moves, whilst acting sessions allow budding young actors to role play and practise improvisation and storytelling.

the attention they deserve. No two lessons are the same as students enjoy experiencing a wide variety of performance skills and styles.

For classes in Yateley or Camberley call Sarah on 07824 999414, email or visit the website HERE. For classes in Fleet or Basingstoke call Danica on 07825 587943, email or visit the website HERE.

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

ENROLLING NOW FOR 2022!

Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

YATELEY & CAMBERLEY 0208 979 5276 stagecoach.co.uk/yateley FLEET & BASINGSTOKE 01252 625 07825 410 587943 stagecoach.co.uk/fleet

Main Stages Classes Children are split by age into small groups so they can give everyone Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

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January/February 5

Ground, Grass and Sky Handwriting Guide Help your child practise their handwriting and learn to make their letters the correct size with this activity from PlanBee. Download the instructions and practice sheets to get started.

Handwriting practice sheets Use the example on the previous page to show your child how each letter should look in relation to the ground, the grass and the sky.

Get your child to write the letters of the alphabet using the dots below.

Handwriting practice sheets Use these sheets for your child to practise their handwriting and learn to make their letters the correct size.

Below you can see an example of how each letter should look in relation to the ground, the grass and the sky.

Handwriting practice sheets Once your child has joined the dotted letters on the previous sheet, let them have a go at writing their own on the ground, grass and sky lines below. Give them the example letters on the first sheet to help.

Using this example as a guide, get your child to trace the dotted letters on the next sheet and then move on to writing the letters themselves on the final sheet.

DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE!

6 January/February

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EDUCATION

Show your child how to hold a pencil Watch video!

Developing handwriting skills

Nurture

Opportunity Growth

Come and visit our family school

By Catherine Lynch

The three main skills in learning to write are the physical ability to make marks on paper, knowing that print conveys meaning and knowing what to write. Before children start making marks on paper and learning to write, they need to strengthen their gross and fine motor skills. But how?

READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk

Open Mornings Friday 28th January Friday 25th February

Yateley Manor

tanja@yateleymanor.com

www.yateleymanor.com January/February 7

EDUCATION

New children’s books for 2022 Winter’s a great time of year to enjoy some fantastic children’s fiction.

Here are our recommendations.

Also

Little Horror

Crocodile Hungry

Invented by Animals

Big Wig

Atlas of Amazing Migrations

by E B Goodale Ages: 4-7

by Christiane Dorion Ages: 7-12

Rita Wants a Ninja

by Maire Zepf Ages: 3+

8 January/February

by Daniel Peak Ages: 8-12

by Jonathan Hillman Ages: 4-8

The Smeds and the Smoos Board Book

by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler Ages: 0-2

by Eija Sumner Ages: 3-7

by Matt Sewell Ages: 7-10

Aaron Slater, Illustrator

by Andrea Beaty Ages: 5-7

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Is your child ready for SATs?

By Jemma Zoe Smith SATs have been cancelled for the last two years but this year they’ll be going ahead.

If you’re a parent of a child who will be sitting SATs this year or even next, you might be concerned about how the disruption to their education during the pandemic may affect their exam performance - a worry which is doubled for those parents whose children are also sitting the 11+.

The good news is that if you’re addressing these concerns now, you’re doing so in good time.

There’s plenty of opportunity for your child to make up any gaps in their learning before the exams roll around.

The first thing to do as a parent is not to worry too much! While your child’s schooling has been disrupted, so has that of all their peers.

It’s likely results will be poorer across the board, which is reassuring if you’re considering a selective school for your child’s secondary education.

What’s more, any teacher looking at your child’s exam results in the future will consider the extraordinary situation in which their studies took place.

If the situation is causing you stress, it’s important not to transmit that to your child, whose performance won’t be improved by exam nerves.

So what are the next steps?

READ MORE

Get ahead this term with Kumon Kumon’s step-by-step approach to learning allows children to develop strong Maths, reading, and writing skills to reach their next academic level. Get started with Kumon today with a free assessment and two week FREE trial starting 1 Feb to 15 Mar 2022. Local centres are available in Basingstoke South, call 01256 533234 or Fleet, call 07498 243071.

Catch up and get ahead with Kumon maths and English study – where great futures take shape. Book your Free Trial today!

Basingstoke South Fleet

01256 533234 07498 243071

at home | in centre | online Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating study centres only. Subject to availability.

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kumon.co.uk

January/February 9

EARLY YEARS

Getting more involved with your child’s development Volunteering at your child’s childcare setting is a great way to become more involved with your child’s learning and development.

If you’ve previously worked with children or in childcare, that’s invaluable but you don’t actually need any experience.

You may be interested in formal roles like a nursery assistant where you will receive lots of support including an induction or special training. Other roles may be more informal with flexible arrangements such as joining outings to the park, helping with a fundraising activity or running a toy library. Your child’s setting is likely to be open to ideas.

Volunteering at your child’s setting can help you: Increase your enjoyment and understanding of the way your child learns; Learn new skills, gain confidence and practical experience; Make new friends and meet other parents; Develop and become part of a parent forum; Take up free training opportunities to help you progress into paid work; Get to know your child’s friends better; Explore new career opportunities in childcare; Give something back to your local community.

10 January/February

Children learn a huge amount while in quality childcare but parents remain their most important educators.

Find out how to continue developing your child’s learning at home.

READ MORE

Protect your child online!

Get a free and complete guide to parental controls*

APPLY HERE * while stocks last T&Cs apply

Magazine

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EARLY YEARS

are you ready for an adventure?

Little stars to bright sparks

Spring Open Events

Years R-6 - Fri 28 January Nursery - Wed 2 February

Educating boys and girls from six months to Sixth Form register here: altonschool.co.uk

Join our Reception Open Event - Story Adventures! on Thursday 27th January 2022 Book your place or arrange a tour today at

www.sherfieldschool.co.uk Nursery

Junior Prep

Senior Prep

Seniors

Sixth Form

St Nicholas’ School fleet • hampshire

An independent day school for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-16

AT ST NICHOLAS’ EVERYONE IS VALUED, EVERYONE IS SOMEONE

• Small nurturing classes

For children aged 3 months to 5 years old

• Specialist teaching in French, Music & Sport

Set in 60 acres of private gardens and woodland

• Fantastic facilities with Forest School • Co-educational Infant Department

Experts in Forest School Learning

• Through school for girls

Nursery visits welcome

To arrange a personal tour please contact our Registrar T. 01252 850121 | E. registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk @stnicholasschool |

@stnicholasfleet |

www.st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

0118 970 1600 www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk

stnicholasfleet

Rectory Road, Padworth, RG7 4JD|info@jubileedaynursery.co.uk January/February 11

WHAT’S ON

What’s on Please check with the venue before visiting to ensure events are still going ahead and venues are open.

Until Sun 16 January Science Dinomite Winchester Science Centre Enjoy a roar-cus festive season filled with T-Riffic fun, dino-mite demos.

Until Sun 30 January Winter Trail The Vyne Enjoy a family day out at The Vyne this winter and take part in their trail.

this delightful family show packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos.

Sat 12 & Sun 13 February Snowdrops Walk Gilbert White’s House & Garden Half price admission all weekend.

A chance to see beautiful snowdrops.

Mon 14 - Sun 20 February Jungle Rumble The Fortune Theatre, London An original family musical, a perfect half-term day out for all the family.

Sat 22 January - Sun 13 March Science Chefs Winchester Science Centre Explore the chemistry of snacks and how foods supply Wed 23 your body with different amounts February So You of energy.

Think You Know About Fri 4 – Sun 6 Dinosaurs?!

February The Haymarket The Tiger Who Get ready to go Came to Tea on an exciting The Haymarket pre-historic Join the teaadventure as guzzling tiger in 12 January/February

Ben explores the biggest, deadliest and weirdest predators that ever roamed the planet. Ages 5+.

Sat 19 - Sun 27 February Play Days: Games at the Museum Milestones Museum Enjoy fun and games through the years at Milestones this February half term!

Half term events at Andover Museum and Museum of the Iron Age Sat 19 - Sun 27 February Roman crafts Enjoy trails, quizzes, storytelling and craft activities all based around fascinating Roman history.

Ages 3+.

Wednesday 23 February Make a Roman Mosaic Tile Create your own mosaic tile to take home.

Free, suggested donation £3 for craft activity.

Ages 3+. 11am3pm.

Friday 25 February Make a Mini Roman Pot Make a Romaninspired mini pot out of air-dry clay to take home.

Free, suggested donation £3 for craft activity.

Ages 3+. 11am3pm.

Thu 24 February Exciting Science The Haymarket Featuring loads of amazing experiments from the world of science is not to be missed. Ages 4+.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 13

FOOD

Winter warmers Get your big bowls and mugs out and make some of these fabulous, hearty seasonal soups and hot drinks with the kids.

Real tomato soup

Hot butter beer (no alcohol!)

Alphabet soup

Green pea and ham soup

Mini cob loaf sweet potato soup

White hot chocolate

Hot chocolate snowmen

Kids’ minestrone soup

Child-friendly hot toddy

14 January/February

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Just one healthy thing

At this time of the year, we are bombarded with unrealistic health advice. So how about setting yourself an easy target of changing just one thing this New Year? © Bruce Mars from Unsplash

Consider cold water swimming

Get a fitness buddy

Take time to meditate

Start with cold water showers and build up with the Wim Hof method.

Accountability works.

Find out more.

10 minutes a day can make a huge difference.

Find hundreds of free meditations.

Take Vitamin D

Try forest bathing

Get quality sleep

10mg daily for adults in autumn and winter compensate for lack of UK sunshine.

Time in forest/woodland boosts your mood, health and wellbeing. Find options here.

Photo: Spirited Euphoria

If your nights are disrupted, try going to bed earlier. Discover the benefits.

Photo: Gabrielle Henderson from Unsplash

Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels

Go veggie

For one day a week, skip meat. Follow MeatFreeMondays.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Give up alcohol

Practise gratitude

Try mindful drinking with Keeping a daily gratitude Spirited Euphoria! 100% diary can make you feel more optimistic. natural, non-alcoholic, endorphin-releasing alternative.

January/February 15

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Health & fitness products for parents Getting fit when you are a busy parent can be a challenge. Here are some great products to get your health and fitness mojo back in 2022.

Groov-e SportBuds

TOFOTL Cordless Jump Rope

The Leg Master®

Wireless Stereo Earphones, perfect sound, snug ear hook fit and sweat-resistant. £39.99

Practical, clever weighted, cordless skipping rope. £10.60

Improves pelvic floor health and posture through classic strength training. £89.95

Claude Leggings, Pocket Sport

Eco-friendly Yoga Mats Inspiring, colourful, sustainable. Earth & animal-friendly. £40+

The Zeno Running Pushchair

The ZENO: for push or pull running; the AVI: ‘hands free’ stroller. From £819.95

Twelve South ActionSleeve 2

Breathe Deep, Seek Peace Flower Essence

Grounded Protein Shakes

Maximum comfort, flattering, breathable fabric, quick drying.

Hidden pocket. £55

Wear on upper arm and workout with Apple Watch, monitoring your progress. £34.99 16 January/February

Awarded ‘best better sleep’ product. £12

Dairy free, sustainable, plant-based protein shakes. 20g of plant protein. £19.95 (6 pack).

Familiesonline.co.uk

HEALTH

How CBT can help children with anxiety

By Lilly Sabir As both a clinical therapist and a mother, I know from personal and professional experience how important it is to help our children understand, identify and support their own mental wellbeing.

Studies suggest that the earlier children are empowered with the resources needed to improve the way they think, the earlier positive foundations are laid that they can build on throughout their lives.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is identified as the most effective therapeutic intervention in managing anxiety.

When your child expresses feeling tiredness or pain, this can be one of the most demonstrative signs they are anxious - somebody or something has triggered an emotional response within them.

It’s important to recognise when a child needs therapeutic intervention, rather than masking their emotional problems and hoping they will grow out of them; the earlier the intervention, the more effectively treatments can work.

If you have a child who is suffering with anxiety-related issues, find out more about some child-friendly CBT techniques that you can use to help them.

READ MORE

Children don’t know how to express and articulate emotional language in the early years but this improves with age.

Tummy aches, headaches and ‘something is hurting’ is often a child’s way of saying whatever is going on around them has caused them stress.

They need to calmly be helped to cope with that pain, using fun ways that can help them tap into the sensations occurring in their bodies and minds.

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 17

TWEEN

Best skincare products for tweens We asked our friends at wearetwixt for their round up of some of the best, tween-friendly zit-zapping cleansers that avoid chemicals that can be abrasive on young, delicate skin.

TROPIC Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum (£42) A gentle serum with pre-biotics builds the skin’s defences and fights acne.

Olivia (12) says: ‘I put this on twice a day. It cleared my spots completely.

Absolutely amazing!’

Olivia’s mum says: ‘Pricey but a little goes a long way.’

Pixi Glow Tonic (£10) Lightweight, gentle exfoliating serum which hydrates and boosts radiance. 100% chemical-free and beautifully gentle for young skin.

Olivia (12) says: ‘I use this every evening and it makes my skin feel completely clean.’

Olivia’s mum says: ‘‘This has been brilliant for Olivia’s skin.’

18 January/February

LUSH Tea Tree Water (£6) and LUSH Grease Lightning (£8) Tea tree water cleanses and helps banish spots.

Grease Lightning cleanses and helps combat infection and further redness.

Olivia (12) says: ‘I love how fresh these products are and how clean they feel.’

TROPIC Clear Skin BlemishFighting Mask (£20)

Designed to control the levels of sebum in the skin, preventing spots forming. Kills bacteria, draws out toxins, closes pores and soothes sore skin.

Olivia (12) says: ‘My skin is sensitive and can get dry and this is so gentle and soothing. It lasts for ages too.’

Familiesonline.co.uk

TWEEN

Why Aiyven and Kirsten are Happier Every Chapter Sisters Aiyven (12) and Kirsten (13) love writing stories and both published debut novels in 2020.

Families talks to them to find out more.

What made you start writing stories?

Our parents read stories to us every night when we were young, which opened up whole new worlds to us. From around the age of 4 or 5, we were folding pieces of paper into cards and writing stories inside them - and just never stopped!

What do you like best about writing stories?

The best thing is how in a few hours, a new universe can sprout out of thin air.

How many stories have you written?

Many of our early stories were on laptops we don’t have any more but every month we write short stories for our book subscription box, Happier Every Chapter. Over time, we’ve written at least thirty stories each. That’s excluding our books.

Do you make a plan for your stories?

When we were younger, we often just typed whatever came to mind, which can result in an unusual plot and a storyline that doesn’t flow very well. Now, we plan Familiesonline.co.uk

the beginning, build-up, climax, resolution and ending. Once you have those five factors planned, it’s just a matter of connecting the dots.

Interested in Aiyven and Kirsten’s advice on story-writing?

READ MORE

FREE Mental Health Activity Pack from Storytime for your child* 14 pages of fun activities

ESS is...

HAPPIN Y PACK! IT IV T C A

parents, faced by about llenges dren to talk est cha ted this chil we crea , and the bigg rs is helping is why One of first . That and care . read it r feelings teachers that you with your kids it l with thei mmend vities in and dea pack! We reco and acti activity re the ideas then sha

.

Be cool .

Be kind Be you!

pack: ........ 2 e this tions ................................. 4 Insidgnis ....... ing Emo bows 5

Reco .............

Like Rain s Are ..............

6 Feeling .........

Box ....... e Tool .............. .7 ..............

Resilienc ..............

Framing! ..............

8 y .......

Fun with .......... ness Diar akes .............. .. 9 Grateful of Mist .............. cake s! .......

10 The Pan Emotion ............. ve with .............. ... 11 lings Get Acti d!

Fee Goo l About to Fee 13 Talking Can Do .............. gs You ..............

Thin . 14 .......

30 ....... .............. e You! ..............

Awesom piness of Hap ....... 15 Your Jar Pack... ..............

Use This ..............

How to n-Ups! ....... for Grow

cial a spe p re is hel can 0, the e 17-2 how you and get ce With On pag about otions! resilien section build their em kids e with your fortabl m 2021 com agazine.co storytimem © www.

APPLY HERE

*while stocks last.

T&C’s apply.

January/February 19

CLUBS & CLASSES

Unusual class and club ideas Kids looking for something a bit different to try in 2022? Check out our ideas.

Chess

Rock climbing

Fencing

Trampolining

Parkour

Archery

Table tennis

Sailing

Skating

20 January/February

Familiesonline.co.uk

ACTIVITIES

Wild winter activities Playing outside is important for kids, even in winter. Here are some great outdoor activity ideas to keep them busy.

Build teeny tiny twig rafts

Rain paint

Make a muddy water filter

Make a mini pond in a pot

Do some wild weaving

Make a magic potion

Make a wormery

Create frozen sun catchers

Build a bird box

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 21

ACTIVITIES

DIY board games from overseas Fed up with the board games in the cupboard? Make and try these fascinating alternatives curated from overseas by www.whatdowedoallday.com

Watermelon Chess Country of origin: China

Kaooa Country of origin: India

Nine holes Country of origin: England

Fighting Serpents Country of origin: New Mexico

Lu Lu Dice Country of origin: Hawaii

Picaria

Country of origin: American South West

Fox & Geese Country of origin: Scandinavia

Shisima Country of origin: Kenya

Tapatan Country of origin: Philippines

22 January/February

Familiesonline.co.uk

ACTIVITIES

Chinese New Year crafts Chinese New Year falls on 1 February this year and offers the perfect inspiration for kids to get crafty!

Year of the Tiger paper bag puppet

Chinese lantern

Chinese New Year candle holders

Tangram puzzle

Mr Panda craft

Fortune Cookies

Chinese New Year’s pinwheel

Rattle drum

Paper plate Chinese dragon

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 23

FAMILY LIFE

Top car seat suggestions Need a new car seat this year? Kickstart your research with these nine top ADAC safety-approved models.

Joie Spin 360 Group 0+1

Cosy N Safe Merlin 360 Group 0+/1 0 to 18kg. Birth to 4yrs. £200

Up to 18kg. 3mths to 4yrs. £325

Maxi Cosi Axiss Swivelling

Graco Milestone All-in-One Group 0+/1/2/3

Nuna Myti Group 1/2/3

Cosatto Judo Group 1/2/3

Halfords Essential Group 1/2/3

Birth to 18kg. Birth to 4yrs. From £199.

9 to 18kg. 9mths to 4yrs. £139

Joie Baby Bold Group 1/2/3 9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12yrs. £179.99

24 January/February

Birth to 36kg. Birth to 12 yrs. £210

9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12 yrs. £180

Britax Romer Dualfix M i-Size

9 to 36kg. 15mths to 12 yrs. £325

9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12yrs. £40 Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Family tech ideas The latest in technological innovation – maybe you can find a bargain in the January sales?

Symfonisk Picture Frame with WiFi Speaker Your favourite sounds from your favourite picture! £179

Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone Enjoy family karaoke at home. £29.99

Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset

Use headset and app to jump into VR. £299.

Facebook Portal - da Vinci miniMaker Illuminator Light Up Smart Video Calling Drone 3D Printer Video call others on their devices with WhatsApp/ Messenger, even if they don’t have Portal. £60.

First-time users 3D printer. Great for young minds and STEM learning. £284.40

Philips NeoPix Easy Heated Throw Perfect for snuggling up Home Projector

For cosy winter nights in. £99.99

Familiesonline.co.uk

with the family. £53

Delivers an amazing light show. USB and batteryoperated remote control. £29.99

Nanit Smart Baby Monitor

Peace of mind. A crystalclear overhead view of your baby’s cot. From £199 January/February 25

FAMILY LIFE

Protect your child online

Try Storytime, the world’s best story magazine!

The internet is a fantastic place to learn, play and contact friends and family. However, just like the real world, it’s not safe for children to navigate alone.

Special Full of fairy tales, adventures, myths Reader Offer and legends, tales from other cultures, real life stories and awesome animals, Storytime is the world’s best story magazine.

Save 15% on complete guide to parental controls (E-book/PB) Welcome to the new book, which aims to make it easier to protect our children online!

Leading children’s charities and parent groups agree that parents need more help to understand potential online dangers and understand how best to react when our children are upset or disturbed by something they have seen online.

Protecting children of the digital age contains over 130 pages of information, advice, tips and step by step guides to setting parental controls on the most popular devices, Apps, platforms and games.

Use code FAM15 at check out here to obtain the e-book for Special just £5.94 or the Reader paperback for just Offer £13.59.

Save 50% off your first 4 issues - just £9.99!

It’s packed with wonderful stories for children and parents to read, love and share, as well as puzzles, activities and games.

All 52 pages are beautifully illustrated and printed on quality paper so they can be treasured, read and re-read.

No adverts, plastic toys or packaging and each copy arrives in a specially illustrated envelope, so your child has all the excitement of receiving their own mail.

Plus, each month, there are free home learning resources and fun activities to bring the stories to life.

More info and apply for offer.

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26 January/February

Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Moving on after separation and divorce

By Adele Ballantyne At Only Mums and Only Dads, we get many emails expressing concern at the way an ex-partner has introduced their new partner to the children. Often these emails report that the children have become upset as a result. So we asked Adele Ballantyne for her advice on getting this right.

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When you do feel ready to start dating, to avoid disputes, it is

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Many parents use the time whilst their children are with their other parent to start socialising, keeping it separate from their parenting role initially. Of course, it’s okay to tell your children, especially older ones, offering reassurance if you meet resistance.

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But, of course, you will want to socialise.

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Before dating, I would say that it’s important to take time to heal, to reflect and think about who you are and what you want going forward.

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So, what happens when you want to start socialising and even dating again?

definitely worth discussing and agreeing a plan with your ex-partner about how you would manage the introduction of any new, long-term partner to your children.

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Separating when you have children isn’t easy but as a new ‘normal’ begins to emerge, you may find yourself or your ex-partner starting to think about moving on with the ‘adult’ part of life.

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Magazine January/February 27

ACTIVITIES

Winter boredom busters Virtual fun

Take a ride on a virtual roller coaster. Check out 10 of the best virtual rides.

Go on a virtual tour of a zoo, aquarium or science centre.

Here’s some of the world’s best.

Explore breath-taking scenery with a virtual visit to America’s greatest national parks.

Drop in on London - visit a museum, Brick Lane, Houses of Parliament and more.

Take a plunge and swim with wild dolphins.

Marvel at the magic of nature’s beauty by gazing at the Northern Lights.

Kitchen capers

Try a new cookie recipe, suggestions here. Bonus idea: Set up a camera or smart phone and film a cooking show!

Make ice cream in a bag, recipe here. No need for a fancy ice cream maker!

Make slime, instructions here.

Make some DIY play-dough, recipe here.

Have a pizza party, DIY pizza recipes here.

Throw an afternoon tea party for the family, see children’s tea party ideas.

Game time

Educational

Learn and play a new card game, here are 12 classic card games.

Conduct a science experiment, find 31 easy science experiments using common household items.

Play family charades. Choose from 100s of ideas with this online random charade’s generator.

Put on a family magic show, here are 13 easy tricks to learn.

Dice games teach maths and other skills. Here are some great options.

Two truths and a lie. Play two truths and a lie, See some childfriendly examples.

Have a bingo tournament. Try this online Bingo Card Generator.

28 January/February

Check out the National Literacy Trust’s list of podcasts here.

Have an extra Amazon box laying around? 32 fun, creative, and educational things to do with a cardboard box.

Create a message for the present and the future with a Sustainable Development Time Capsule.

Practise a new life skill with your kids, here are 19 life skills you can teach your child at home.

Familiesonline.co.uk