Happy New Year from all of us here at Families! We wish you the very best for the months ahead.
It’s hard for everyone to keep New Year’s resolutions – especially children. Download our free colour-in Reward Chart which may help to keep your children engaged.
Whilst everyone feels like hibernating in winter, getting outside is good for us so, to motivate you, we’ve got some ideas for seasonal family activities as well as some projects which will help welcome more wildlife to your garden. And, once you’re back indoors? We have some great ideas for making family nights in special.
Finally, in this issue, we have Britannica Magazine subscriptions and other goodies to giveaway! Apply inside the magazine. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.
Congratulations
Plan some great reading for your child with our children’s book suggestions, all just published or due to be published this year.
DJ Baby Funky novelty board book featuring spinning record turntables! Ages 1+.
Ten Little Bugs Part traditional counting rhyme, part fun-filled story - perfect for sharing. Ages 3-5.
Grandad’s Pride
Beautiful follow-up to Grandad’s Camper, filled with heart and purpose. Ages 3-6.
Charming picture book about the unusually literary fish. Ages 4-8.
Weird but true! 2023
National Geographic annual loaded with brain bending facts and photos. Ages 7-10.
Special World Book Day story (£1) in the actionpacked series. Ages 8+.
Special World Book Day story (£1) - a funny, joyful romp. Ages 6+.
Crow & Mr Death
Distinctive, warm and funny. From highlyacclaimed Jenni Spangler. Ages 9+.
Gilbert the Goblin’s new adventure – finding the legendary yeti. Ages 4-8.
With Covid and the move to online platforms, tutoring has become more accessible, with more options and opportunities available. As a result, over fifteen percent of UK children are now receiving private tuition. But how can you get the best results?
In May, Year 2 (KS1) and Year 6 (KS2) pupils will take their SATS exams. Yet, from their very first day at school, children are being trained to be able to perform in preparation for these assessments. So what support can you give at home?
By Sarah Ockwell-Smith
The ‘terrible twos’ aren’t called that for nothing! This stage of a child’s life is all about big feelings. Scientifically, it relates to the undeveloped prefrontal brain cortex meaning a child is unable to regulate their own emotions.
What is a tantrum?
Tantrums describe the state of an individual who is out of control, full of big emotions and stress hormones and unable to calm themselves down. Tantrums can happen right into adulthood but adults learn to self-soothe.
Toddlers don’t possess these skills yet. They are not being naughty or manipulative, they are simply being toddlers. Tantrums are a normal and exceedingly common feature of child development. Research has found that nearly nine in ten children between 18 months and 2 years regularly have tantrums, with most having at least one a day, lasting on average between thirty and sixty seconds (although it is not uncommon for them to occur far more frequently and last for much longer).
Contrary to popular belief, ignoring, shaming or punishing tantrums can make a toddler’s behaviour much worse. These approaches ignore a child’s difficult underlying feelings and don’t resolve the cause
or help the toddler regulate their behaviour. Experts have discovered just how much infant brains are affected by the level of parental care they receive. With nurturing attention, the part of their brains responsible for regulating emotion become better connected as they grow.
READ MORE
Perform’s confidence-building classes are sure to blow away the winter cobwebs and help children feel energised and inspired.
This term sees children ages 4 to 7 trapezing and somersaulting into a Circus Adventure whilst those ages 7 to 12 work on a fun and funky adaptation of Robin Hood, in Outlaw. Imaginations will soar as children work towards a magical performance for family and friends.
Perform is not like other children’s drama schools. Its classes have a special emphasis on child development and use a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring
out every child’s potential. Run by experienced actor-teachers, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination and Concentration.
With all abilities welcome, children can join at any point in the term and will take part in the performance. The only requirement is to get ready to have the best fun of the week!
Children are welcome to try a FREE class at a local Hampshire venue.
Are you looking to encourage and develop a love for sport in your child? Then why not try Saturday Sports Skills at Highfield and Brookham Schools in Liphook. This fun and engaging multisports club is open to all children in school years 1 to 3. Children take part in a variety of different sports each week and develop key skills that nurture a lifelong passion for sport. Taking part in sport helps children both physically and mentally, building confidence and resilience, learning teamwork, respect and above all it’s lots of fun!
Find out more HERE.
Stagecoach Camberley & Yateley offer fun, engaging, exciting Performing Arts classes designed for ages 4 to 18, with children split by age into small groups. Students enjoy a wide variety of performance skills and styles in dance, drama and singing.
There is a two week trial in January available to try a class. These fun and friendly performing arts classes operate at Yateley School and at Kings College International School, Camberley.
Find out more HERE.
Parents wanting to locate a local children’s physiotherapist can now use an online directory launched by Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists.
The majority of children’s physiotherapists work in the NHS. Your GP can advise about local services and make a referral, if appropriate. However, some parents choose to seek advice and treatment from an independent or private physiotherapist either instead of, or to supplement, NHS care. Many children need support from a physiotherapist at some time during their childhood. This may be sought for advice and treatment relating to posture and movement or for acute injuries.
Qualified children’s physiotherapists are regulated, have additional expertise in child development and childhood conditions and the right skill base and knowledge to deliver the best care for babies and children.
Find out more HERE
Macaroni
Cooking multiple meals at one time and then storing for later use.
Food is cooked in a ‘batch’, then stored in airtight containers. Meals are stored in portions for ease.
Batch cooking often involves doubling, tripling or quadrupling ingredients.
Big pans - you’re cooking bulk so ensure you have enough big pans to cope.
Large mixing bowls to bring all those ingredients together.
Storage containers and resealable freezer bags. Choose the right size for your family.
Labels. Keep track of what you’ve got and when you cooked it.
Saves money - buying food in bulk is cheaper. Saves time – you don’t need to cook every evening.
You are cooking when you want to and not when you have to.
It’s healthier as you always have a tasty nutritious meal on hand.
Set aside a few hours so you’re not rushed.
Prepare ingredients - weighing, measuring and chopping first will make the job easier.
Clean as you go and, if making several recipes at once, tidy up as you go too.
Cool before you freeze; food will keep better and save fridge energy.
Scan here to see all our Winter Events!
This 2 minute video from The Batch Lady shows exactly what you’ll need to start batch cooking freezer meals.
Use this ad for one free child admission to the house and gardens during Jan & Feb '23!
Let them experience ‘age-appropriate risk’ under adult supervision AT ALL TIMES. Research shows that it’s essential for a balanced childhood.
The use of a power tool is an important life skill that is good to learn early.
Challenge your child to live blindfolded – it’s fun and builds empathy.
It’s best children learn about fire safely with you.
Children can’t resist throwing - and it can be managed safely.
A life skill that develops with experience, whittling is a fun introduction.
Another irresistible urge for children - fun and beneficial when done safely.
A classic science experiment which is spectacular - but messy!
This ancient British game can be safely played if done correctly.
Use a bow and arrow
Though potentially hazardous, it’s great for developing situational awareness.
Claire at Bridgemaker Mindfulness shares her top tips.
Reading is relaxing, distracting and a good alternative to screen time. A 2009 University of Sussex study found that reading can reduce stress by up to sixty eight percent. Just six minutes of relaxing into a good book can lower blood pressure and muscle tension.
Children are more likely to express their feelings when they sense we are fully available. Sitting somewhere that they have to pass by when they return from being elsewhere and gently inviting them to join us can be a good start. Listen intently without moving into ‘fix-it mode.’
Creating a comforting, wind down routine can help (reading a book together, listening to soothing music). Try placing hands on the belly, breathing easily and focusing on the breath, following the gentle movement of the belly that rises and falls. For the busy mind, try counting the breath to ten (in – 1, out – 2 etc) over and over.
Mindfulness apps/recorded meditations can help adults and children to relax and unwind but nothing compares with attending a course with a qualified mindfulness teacher which teaches key mindfulness skills. However, if, despite your best intentions and care, your child’s behaviour or anxiety level becomes worrying, do seek medical advice from a GP.
Phone alerts and notifications are constantly distracting and family members often have to compete. Being fully present with the activity or conversation we’re having with our children - without distraction - demonstrates that we value ‘real’ time together and are fully available.
Children absorb emotions like sponges and overhearing the news or emotionally-charged adult conversation can fuel their anxiety. If your child is worrying about the future, use mindfulness to bring them back to the present moment. Tell them that you love them no matter what.
Nature-deficit disorder (NDD) can contribute to higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses. But the good news is, it can easily be reversed. Spending time in nature is easier than we think: village greens, parks, commons and nature reserves abound in the UK and they provide the perfect setting for free family activities.
