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Summer 2020 familiesonline.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk Summer 2020
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Call 01923 830 477 or email warehousememberservices@costco.co.uk. 2 Summer 2020
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CONTENTS
Welcome
Contents
4-7 Learning We’re slowly coming out of lockdown – and here is our summer 8-10 Early Years issue to steer you safely through 12-15 Parenting the holidays.
Many children have not been to school for some time. So this issue is packed full of fun activities to keep their brains engaged, as well as games, classes, summer camps, places to go and competitions. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news. Get in touch Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.
16-19 Holidays 20
Local Places to Go
23
Places to Go
24
Summer Camps & Courses
25
Give your Child a Social Summer
26
Online Classes
27
Activities
28
Best Printable Primary Age Games
29
Drawing and Colouring with Teddies Online
30
Best Lego Kits
31
Screen-Free Activities Weekend
32
Work
Exbury GARDENS & Steam Railway
Exbury Gardens has reopened! Visit now to see our beautiful landscaped gardens, brimming with summer flowers, wonderful birdsong and 200 acres of open space to roam. We’ve implemented a number of special measures to keep visitors safe. Find out more about these and our discounted summer prices on our website.
023 8089 1203 | www.exbury.co.uk | New Forest, SO45 1AZ familiesonline.co.uk
Summer 2020 3
LEARNING
Secret Summer Learning Activities Our best ideas to keep your child’s brain ticking over all summer long.
Make a Video
Charades
Learn Chess
Develops creativity, promotes physical activity and communication skills.
Develops imagination and non-verbal communication skills.
Encourages critical thinking, planning ahead and reasoning.
Make a Miniature Book
Bake a Cake
Word Games for Families
Encourages creativity and an interest in literature.
Make a Soap Carving
Develops fine motor skills and creativity. 4 Summer 2020
Develops maths and coordination.
Game of 50
Develops addition/ subtraction, logical thinking, strategy, perseverance.
Improves listening, vocabulary, memory and attention.
Fruit & Vegetable Guessing Game
Develops memory and logical thinking. familiesonline.co.uk
LEARNING
School Work During the Holidays?
Supporting Secret Learning
By Murray Morrison
By Dr Amanda Gummer
When the whole of the summer term has felt like a halfway house between school and holidays, many families are beginning to wonder whether they should continue some element of school work through the summer break. So, what should the plan be?
We’ve all mashed up veggies and hidden them in pasta sauce. Well, the same can be done with learning! Hiding learning within play is a much less stressful way of helping children to keep learning whilst they are not at school, especially for reluctant students. READ MORE
READ MORE
Return to School: How to Support your Child By Kairen Cullen
Throughout the long, strange months of lockdown parents have provided continuity and a sense of reality for their children. Soon it will be time to get them back to school and parents can help their children through this transition in numerous ways. READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
Summer 2020 5
LEARNING
Sourcing Children’s Books over Summer Our guide to finding the right books for your child at the right price.
Book Trust Great Books Guide
100 best new books for children.
Reading Chest
Through-the-post children’s book rental service.
Library E-Lending Love Reading4Kids
National Shelf Service
Daily book recommendations from professional librarians.
BorrowBox App
All libraries have e-lending services. Join remotely and enjoy.
UK’s number 1 book recommendation site for children’s books.
Borrow ebooks and audiobooks free from your library.
Hive.co.uk
Oxfam Online Book Shop
The Libby App
Free delivery. Commission paid to 1000s of new/pre-loved your local independent books and audiobooks bookshop. available online. 6 Summer 2020
Free ebooks and audiobooks with your library membership. familiesonline.co.uk
LEARNING
Summer Reading Challenge 2020: Let’s Get Silly
By Liz Walker
Over summer, there is often a dip in children’s reading levels. The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4-11 to read for pleasure and maintain their literacy levels. This year’s ‘Silly Squad’ theme places an emphasis on funny books.
The best thing parents can do to help with their children’s education whilst they are not in school is to encourage reading. However little time is available, the most important thing is to put reading at the top of the home educating list. Here are some tips to help with reading.
READ MORE
READ MORE
Encouraging your Child to Read More
Read to succeed this summer! Regular deliveries of books at your child’s reading level.
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Bespoke Individual Tutoring Academic Support - Exam Preparation 11+ 13+ All subjects & levels Language & immersion courses – DELF preparation Summer revision 2020 online classes KS2 to KS5
Mentoring & Career Guidance Helping students identify their strengths and weaknesses,
Contact us today office@stgeorgestutors.com familiesonline.co.uk
www.readingchest.co.uk
readingchest.co.uk Book Rental for Children Learning to Read
Book Rental Learning Read Click Here for to Children find out how itto works Summer 2020 7
LEARNING
Best Printable Early Years Activity Sheets Free printables to help your little one’s pre-school learning.
Learn About Numbers
Big Bird Number 6 Alphablocks A to Z Colouring Colouring
Family Card Game
Counting Sheet
Paint by Numbers
Bing Big Surprise Activities
Tracing Ace Learn to Draw
Maisy Dinner Doodle Mat
8 Summer 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
LEARNING
Lockdown Life at King Edward VI School For schools, responding to the coronavirus pandemic has meant working above and beyond to continue to educate young people. At King Edward VI School in Southampton, adjusting to the ‘new normal’ saw a transition to online learning which reconstructed the students’ usual timetable, albeit from home. As phased reopening was endorsed by Government, then came preparing the site for social distancing regulations and devising ‘hybrid’ lessons, delivering content appropriate for the whole class, whether they were in school or connecting from home. Staff and students were heavily involved in the community effort to support the NHS, answering the call for PPE. Distributing to frontline workers at Southampton Children’s Hospital and other local NHS hospitals, surgeries, and social care facilities, the laser cutter worked overtime on manufacturing hundreds of visors, and soon surgical gowns and scrubs were added to the production schedule. The school is open to small groups of visitors for Taster Mornings and Open Afternoons; email registrar@kes.hants.sch.uk for more information.
Taster Mornings
Year 6 Thursday 17 September Thursday 24 September Tuesday 26 September Year 8 Monday 21 September
Open Afternoons
Tuesday 13 October Tuesday 10 November Tuesday 24 November @kessouthampton familiesonline.co.uk
Summer 2020
EARLY YEARS
Nursery at Home Activities for under 5s that are easy to do at home and mirror the range of play experiences offered at nursery.
Make a Mermaid Tail
Make Sparkly Playdough
Make a Magic Garden
Make Crab Handprints
Car Name Game
Make Tractor Tyre Printing Pictures
Enjoy Songs and Action Rhymes
Make an Under the Sea Water Tray
Enjoy Dressing Up Role Play
10 Summer 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
What will School/Nursery be Like in September
Preparing your Child to Start School
While some nurseries and schools have already opened their doors post-lockdown, September is when it seems that we can expect all children to return. So what will the ‘new normal’ look like for parents and their children come the autumn?
Starting school for the first time is exciting - despite the pandemic. Remember that children starting school for the first time will not know that school routines are different to the past! So how can you best prepare your little one to start school?
READ MORE
READ MORE
By Beth Cadman
By Gabrielle Lawrence
Everyday Excellence
Excellent (Pastoral) / Excellent (Academic)
“Displaying a Strong Sense of Belonging” - 19/20 ISI Report
Stroud School, Romsey
King Edward VI Preparatory School Independent day school for ages 3 - 13
Visit Stroud in Action
Wednesday 23 September 9.30am - 11.30am
registrar@stroud-kes.org.uk / 01794 513231
www.stroud-kes.org.uk
familiesonline.co.uk
Summer 2020 11
PARENTING
How to Motivate Your Child to do Anything There is a long summer ahead…. and for many families, this is just an extension of a long spring at home with no school attendance and precious little by way of entertainment. Many children are fractious, bored, lonely, discontented and anxious. It’s no wonder many are struggling to concentrate, focus and motivate themselves to do very much at all. In order to get your child up and moving this summer and avoid a case of terminal boredom, your child needs a few projects and goals that will give them a sense of achievement and productivity. These could be anything from practising times tables, having a day of screen free time every week, reading a book, doing some daily exercise or tidying their room. You may even challenge them to complete some of the projects in this magazine! For little ones, some
more specific goals for positive behaviour might be appropriate. Decide what you think might work for your child and, if they are older, discuss and agree this with them. Consider an appropriate motivator for your child. This doesn’t have to be (and, in fact, shouldn’t always be) money and it’s best to avoid sugary treats as rewards too. But it may be that you offer to pay for something your child really needs if they achieve their goal. It’s fun to give an older child a few different projects and goals with points they can earn for each, with the aim of reaching a total number of points and a bigger reward. Remember to give praise generously for the effort your child goes to, even if they don’t quite achieve all their goals. You can find lots of reward ideas from simple/low cost to more involved on the next page.
12 Summer 2020
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PARENTING
Rewards to Motivate Your Child Simple/Low Cost • Pick a movie – anything goes if it’s age appropriate! • Cook their favourite dinner. • A later bed time. • Read an extra bed time story. • 30 minutes of extra screen time (not appropriate if you are trying to get them off a screen!) • One to one time with mum or dad doing exactly what they want. • Stickers.
More Involved • A picnic in the park. • Choosing a family activity. • An outdoor playdate with friends (activity ideas page 25). • Time with your phone to take some photos. Then get them printed. • Camp in the garden. • A family sports activity • Visit the beach. • Go for a bike family bike ride.
Costs Money • Give your child your loose change – every day for a week! T&Cs apply
• Earn art materials for creative fun. • Earn a small item which promotes physical activity. Football, hula hoop or frisbee… • Increase their pocket money. • Paint a feature wall in their room in their favourite colour. • Let your child choose the next family outing. • Buy them their favourite magazine, or an app they want. familiesonline.co.uk
ENTER HERE
Summer 2020 13
PARENTING
Talking to our Children about Racism
Helping your Child Cope with Nightmares
Last month saw an unprecedented outpouring of movements throughout the world advocating an end to racial inequality. Children certainly have questions about the stories they hear, see and read, so how do we talk to them positively and openly about race? Download A Parent’s Guide to Black Lives Matter.
Many children have more underlying worries than usual right now. These are often kept at bay by the routines, occupations and pleasures of the day, only to surface at night in the form of scary nightmares. Our friends at Fegans share their top tips for coping with your child’s nightmares.
ENTER HERE T&Cs apply
14 Summer 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
PARENTING
Supporting Children to Understand Emotions
Labelling Solutions for Clothes, Shoes, Bags and School items
It can be really challenging for children to understand and share their feelings with others. Often books can be a really helpful tool in finding a way for children to open up and identify emotions and talk about them more either on a personal level or in a more general way.
Labelling of your kids’ belongings is important, Easy2Name makes it simple. You name it and they solve your labelling problems with stick on name labels, shoe label covers and a whole range of other labelling solutions. Their labels are proven to work in the toughest situations. Order today and save 15%. Use code: FAMILY15.
By Katie Flanagan
READ MORE New Book Now Available Online
What Else Am I Feeling?
Stick on Labels
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From the International award winning author of What am I feeling? Katie Flanagan What Else am I Feeling? is available online at Amazon.co.uk and Waterstones.com familiesonline.co.uk
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www.easy2name.com Summer 2020 15
HOLIDAYS
Family Tour of the UK No holiday? Take your family on a virtual tour of the UK’s most famous places.
Stonehenge
Roman Baths
Edinburgh Castle
Interactive 360º tour + live view from inside the monument.
Virtual ‘walkthrough’ of Bath’s Roman baths.
Stunning aerial view of the building and city.
Tower of London
Giant’s Causeway 360º tour of this spectacular landmark.
Hadrian’s Wall
A 360º view of the world’s largest Roman artefact.
Buckingham Palace
The Shard
Dover Castle
Interactive 360º tour of the building and grounds.
Tour THE most famous Royal Palace. 16 Summer 2020
View London from the tallest building in Europe.
360º tour of the castle on top of the white cliffs. familiesonline.co.uk
ING AL L L A L C F A M ILIE PER U S S
HOLIDAYS
The power of family saving + investing with our super app
ROUND UP YOUR RECENT PURCHASES
TOP UP AS MUCH AND AS OFTEN AS YOU PLEASE
SEND GIFTS AND MESSAGES WITH LOVE
EARN MONEY BACK ON YOUR ONLINE SHOPPING
Click here to learn more Summer 2020 17
Please note: capital as risk. As with any investment, the value can go down as well.
familiesonline.co.uk
HOLIDAYS
Beat the crowd staycation ideas Please check the latest Government guidance before you book.
Canal Boat Holiday
Eco-Friendly Tree House
Rustic Woodland Shack
Hobbit Inspired Pod
Explore the UK’s rivers/ Luxury woodland break canals. From £725 a in Devon. From £1,390 a week (family of 4). week.
Retro Airstream Caravan
Go retro in Suffolk. From £66 a night (min 2-nights).
Idyllic Shepherd’s Hut
Get off the grid in Yorkshire. From £125 a night.
Pod living in Suffolk. From £710 a week (family of 4).
Northumberland’s beaches. From £180 for 2 nights (family of 4).
Gorgeous Highland Cottage
New Forest Cottage
Stunning St Ives Hideaway
Wild Scotland! From £1,990 a week (inc daily catering).
18 Summer 2020
Forest and beach. From Secret tunnel to beach! £949 a week (July). From £164 a night Sleeps 4. (min 3-nights). familiesonline.co.uk
HOLIDAYS
Staycation Survival Guide Check for the latest government travel advice. The rules are different in Scotland, Wales and Ireland, so make sure you check the details for the country you are visiting. Consider insurance. New policies no longer cover coronavirus-caused cancellations. If you have pre-booked insurance or an annual policy, the FCO has currently advised against all non-essential travel, which invalidates your insurance. It seems likely that the FCO position will change with regard to those countries with which the UK establishes air bridges but check your insurance T&Cs before you book/travel. Check the cancellation policy for any holiday you book. Will your deposit be refunded if another lockdown happens or if travel restrictions are not lifted? Lower your expectations. There will be fewer places open and some form of social distancing is likely to still be in place. Embrace nature and spending time with your family and think of all the money you are saving towards next year’s holiday!
Budget Staycation Ideas Lodge in the grounds of the Thomas Lord Inn, Hampshire. Private facilities/meals to your room. Farmstay UK 700 farms offering camping, B&B and SC. Birdholme Glamping in Notts. Stilted safari lodges in acres of space! Forest Holidays Log cabins/ tree houses in 10 forest locations across UK. Camp Too - retro VW campers + modern motorhomes. Various UK pick-up points. Tent Share. Rent a tent so you don’t have to buy camping gear! Canopy & Stars - reconnect with nature! Glamping to shepherd huts. familiesonline.co.uk
Summer 2020 19
PLACES TO GO
Local Places to Visit this Summer Click on the image for details on opening hours, if you need to book in advance and restrictions that may apply.
Beaulieu
Buckler’s Hard
Exbury Gardens
New Motoring in Miniature – the Toys of Your Childhood exhibition.
On the banks of the Beaulieu River, a fun family day out.
The perfect place for the whole family to spend the day.
Hinton Ampner
Lepe Country Park
Manor Farm & Country Park
An elegant country house, garden and woodland.
Marwell Wildlife
Animal stars, adventure playground, railway, SUPERSIZED exhibition and more. 20 Summer 2020
Enjoy nature trail, adventure playground and more.
Milestones Museum
From cobbled streets to vintage vehicles, there is lots to enjoy.
Open to all visitors from 21 July.
Monkey World
Virtual fun and daily videos plus home learning material. familiesonline.co.uk
PLACES TO GO
Local Places to Visit this Summer Click on the image for details on opening hours, if you need to book in advance and restrictions that may apply.
Mottisfont
Enjoy the beautiful gardens. Buy advanced tickets.
Royal Victoria Country Park
Woodland and grassy parkland, small shingle beach and cafĂŠ.
St Barbe Museum
Local museum and art gallery with events for all ages. familiesonline.co.uk
New Forest Wildlife Park
See animals and owls in their natural surroundings.
SeaCity Museum
Paultons Park
The #1 UK theme park with over 70 rides and attractions.
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Learn the history of Southampton and the city’s involvement in the story of the Titanic.
Walk, relax, explore and discover seasonal displays.
Tudor House & Garden
Winchester Science Centre
Over 800 years of history in one fascinating location.
Fun science experiences through Science@Home. Summer 2020 21
PLACES TO GO
Places to Go this Summer These places are opening many outside spaces and gardens (and possibly some inside ones too). Find out what is open near you.
National Trust
English Heritage
Legoland UK
Woodland Trust
WWT Wetland Centres
Forestry England
Zoos and Wildlife Parks
National Parks UK
Go Ape Adventures
22 Summer 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk
Summer 2020 23
ACTIVITIES
Live and Virtual Kids’ Summer Camps and Courses
Chelsea Young Writers
Online streamed creative writing courses. Ages 6-12.
Sparks Filmmaking Courses Action-packed online course. Ages 9-18.
Camp Beaumont Summer Camps Live multi-activity camps. Ages 3-16.
24 Summer 2020
Perform
Kings Camps
Live 3/5 day performing arts courses. Ages 4-10.
Live multi-activity camps for ages 5-17.
Sophia
Little House of Science
Online classes from Harry Potter to coding. Ages 4-18.
Firetech Courses
Online tech for ages 9-17. 20% off with code Families20.
Online video science camps. Ages 3-11.
The Strings Club Camps
Live & online music/ craft camps. Ages 3-11. familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
Give your Child a Social Summer Outdoor activity ideas for groups of children. Make sure you check the latest government guidance and BYO equipment!
Mini Olympics Discus – use frisbees or paper plates. Shot Put – use bean bags or tennis balls. Hurdles – use cardboard boxes. Simple Gymnastic Displays – handstands/cartwheels. Running Races – of all lengths! Long Jump – use tape measure and award points. Ball Archery – throwing a ball at a target or containers. Shooting - with nerf guns on a target.
Sports Gala Football Penalty Shoot Outs – 10 attempts, 10 points per goal. Mini Golf – use cups for holes. Darts – use magnetic/Nerf darts. Swingball Tournament. Quoits – with hula hoops and garden stakes. Skittles – half fill drink bottles for pins. Bowls – get closest to the small ball. Balloon Tennis using rope for a net. familiesonline.co.uk
Picnic Party What’s the time Mr Wolf? Simon says.... Bingo – download cards or make your own. Charades. Dance festival – mix up the music to test the best movers. Treasure hunt. Limbo – using a rope who can get the lowest. Fun Races – sack/egg & spoon/ ball between knees/bean bag on head.
Park & Pavement Play Hopscotch. Chalk Art Contest. Noughts & Crosses. Pavement Obstacle Course. Jumping Game – mark out lines. Tree Rubbings – who can make the most rubbings? Painting with Water – old paint rollers/brushes with soapy water. Skipping.
Summer 2020 25
ACTIVITIES
Best Online Classes for All Ages Are your children missing their regular classes and activities? Try these instead!
Family Dance Workshops
Teddies Music Club Online
Kumon Winchester
Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes at Home
Sadler Well’s fun family Lively music and art for dance workshops for 2 pre-schoolers. to 6 years.
Maths & English learning together at home.
The Strings Club Ukele/guitar/violin classes for ages 3+. FREE session!
26 Summer 2020
Self-guided, fun tutorials (5-8yrs).
The Little Gym at Home
Little Kickers Football for Kids
Easy, fun football classes with a warm up, games, and goals.
Virtual Kids Martial Arts
Online classes to burn off excess energy.
Little STEAMers
Play-based science/ engineering classes for Fitness sessions for ages 2-4. primary and pre-school children. familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
Win an Online Song Writing Course! Songwriting4Kids teaches children ages 8-13 how to write songs. The selfguided instruction WIN! videos cover reading and writing music as well as basic rhythms and lyrics. Perfect for kids who are new to music as well as those who already play an instrument! First prize: Level 1 & 2 worth £135.99. Second prize: Level 1 worth £79.99. Enter here with name & postcode by 15 August 2020.
Ten Cooking Skills for Every Child to Master
Struggling to Get Your Child to Do Music Practice? By Ruth Seodi
Having to constantly push your child to practise their music becomes tiresome and often leads to fall outs. Here are four ways in which you can turn practising from a chore to a pleasure for your child. READ MORE. WATCH VIDEO.
CREATE/ +YOUR SUMMER>
DATES
July & August 2020
COURSE OPTIONS
Week Long, Part-Time and Self Guided
COURSES
— Artificial Intelligence — Python & Java Coding — Video Game Design — Digital Photography & MORE!
O N LI N E TE C H C O U RS E S FO R K I DS AG E D 9-17
There’s no doubt parents will need a bank of fresh, childfriendly activities to get through the summer holidays. Why not add cooking to the list? It’s fun, educational and most children enjoy it. Here are ten cooking skills for children to master this summer. READ MORE.
LI V E TE AC H I N G BY E X PE RT T UTO RS I N S M A LL C L AS S S IZ E S
20% OFF* Promo Code: FAMILIES20
*T&C’s apply
Book now Fire-Tech.com * T&C’s apply
familiesonline.co.uk
Summer 2020 27
ACTIVITIES
Best Printable Primary Age Games Free printables to help your child keep busy and learning.
Battleships
Develops strategy, logical thinking and concentration.
Country Word Search
Find 20 countries amongst the letters.
Alphabet Scattegories
Find a word for each letter! 28 Summer 2020
The Mystery of the Missing Pirate Treasure
Car Bingo
Great for alphabet recognition.
Practises maths and problem solving.
Colouring Picnic
Read the sentences to colour the picture.
Premier League Football Facts
Solve the sums to complete the football facts.
ABC Trace & Colour
Trace the letter and colour in the drawing.
Harry Potter Word Scramble Figure out what Harry is saying.
familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
Download and print this great colouring sheet and enter our Teddies Online Music Club colouring competition!
Win a unique personalised print created by Teddies Online Music Club!
WIN!
Choose between a farmyard animal and a train scene.
Fiddle-i-fee... familiesonline.co.uk
www.teddiesmusicclub.co.uk
Just colour or paint the great colouring sheet on this page. Then email a scan or photo of your sheet to us, together with your name, post code, child’s age and choice of print. Closing date: 31 August 2020 Summer 2020 29
ACTIVITIES
Best Lego Kits for Rainy Days The ideal creative indoor activity for any age.
Duplo My First Bricks Box of Fun
Classic Creative Brick Box
Boost Creative Toolbox Robotics
Great starter kit. Ages 18mths+.
Endless building opportunities. Ages 4+.
Build/code interactive motorised robots. Ages 7-12.
World Animals
Creator Mighty Dinosaurs
Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall
Great introductory set inc. toy animals and people. Ages 2+.
Trolls Poppy’s Pod Playhouse including mini figures/ accessories. Ages 4+.
30 Summer 2020
3 dinosaurs in 1 set. Ages 7-12.
Friends Stephanie’s Gymnastics
Build gymnastic equipment. Ages 6+.
Includes 10 mini figures. Ages 9+.
Captain Marvel Toy Jet
Perfect for Marvel fans. Ages 7+. familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
Screen-Free Activities Weekend
No more Netflix binging - mix and match ideas for a 48 hour family digital detox.
Morning – 1 hour Make brunch for all the family. Rediscover paper. Make amazing origami. Puzzle it out. Try crosswords/ Sudoku together. Morning – 2 hours Mess about on the water. Try SUP paddling or canoeing. Reconnect with nature. Do the RSPB Wild Challenge. All morning Construct a fort in the garden or house. Create a family scrapbook with memorabilia of all kinds! Evening – 1 hour Make books. Just gather art and craft supplies. Try a night walk. Pack torches, snacks, raincoats and go on an adventure. Evening – 2 hours Go stargazing. Spot planets and constellations! Play charades. Young and old love this classic game. All evening Have a movie-athon. Check out ideas here. Camp out. Set up the tent, cook sausages and yummy S’mores. familiesonline.co.uk
Afternoon – 1 hour Board no more. Play a board game or bingo. Print off cards here. Afternoon – 2 hours Create a herb garden. In pots, the garden or on a windowsill! Be treasure hunters. Set up a trail with treasure at the end. All afternoon Get arty. Pack a picnic, art supplies and enjoy nature. Strike a pose. Family photo shoot with an SLR/Polaroid camera.
All Day Build a go-kart. Then test it out! Develop circus skills. Learn juggling, tightrope walking and magic! Visit the seaside. Head to one of Britain’s best seaside towns. French Day. Begin with croissants, learn the lingo and cook some French cuisine. Build a garden labyrinth. Gather materials to make a cool labyrinth that you can walk round. Be Kind. Post some fun letters/ cards to friends/relatives. Create care packages for vulnerable people. Summer 2020 31
WORK
Avoiding Home Working Hell…. By Mandy Garner Working from home is the nirvana parents have been waiting for, right? Well, maybe, but NOT when combined with looking after children full time. Here are some tips on successfully working from home as the school holidays and exhaustion kick in. Manage expectations - not just those of your employer, but your own and those of your family. Creating a routine that allows you to work can help everybody. For instance, some quiet time after lunch when your children know that you will be making phone calls. Ask your manager if you can work around your childcare responsibilities, perhaps in the evenings or at weekends, tag teaming with your partner, if you have one. Or consider reducing your hours if this is affordable, and explore this with your employer. As with flexible working negotiations, if you spell out the issues, explain how you are trying to tackle them and suggest potential workable solutions, managers are more likely to listen. The right set up - it’s not just about the hours you can work. You need the right long term setup, given fears of commuting and 32 Summer 2020
a second wave of infection. Can your employer help with technical support and ergonomics? It’s sensible to have a back-up if your laptop goes down or to have someone you can call with technical issues. This is far less stressful and time-consuming than trying to work things out for yourself from YouTube tutorials. You also need the right workspace and furniture. There are reports of increased back pain as a result of people working from sofas or beds during lockdown. Ask your employer for support - it’s a health and safety issue - and for help with work-related phone/internet bills if they don’t provide phones and laptops. READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
