Families Cambridgeshire May June issue

F R TAKE EE ME H OME

www.kdtheatre.co.uk

Issue 70 May/June 2022

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Contents & Competition

Dear Reader,

What's in this issue?

With children’s mental health reaching crisis point, in

this issue we have included lots of advice for parents on how to spot the signs of mental health issues in young people, where to get help and how to help prevent

mental health issues in your home. Longer days and sunny weekends make it easier to get outside as a

family, as latest statistics show, family time is key to a healthy mind, so why not plan a day out; with plenty of inspiration in our ‘What’s On’ pages.

Please remember to mention ‘Families’

when booking.

Wise w ords

If you can dre am it, you ca n do it .

Walt D isney

facebook.com/famcambsmag DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiesCambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

4 TICKETS TO SEE ALICE IN WONDERLAND IN THE DEANS’ GARDEN, ELY CATHEDRAL

(Any performance from 21st – 24th July) You could be the lucky winner of 4 tickets to see the open-air production of ‘Alice In Wonderland’ in the beautiful grounds of ‘The Dean’s Garden’ Ely Cathedral, featuring a brand new script

by Daniel Bell and original music by Triple Threat Creative.

This exciting and playful take on the tale will feature a KD Theatre Productions Ltd professional cast of energetic performers, catchy new songs and lots of humour that will entertain and delight the whole family!

KD Theatre Productions www.kdtheatre.co.uk, are thrilled to be returning to one of Ely’s hidden gems – our very own secret garden, to perform this fantastic family production created especially for our audiences against the stunning backdrop of Ely’s most iconic landmark. The Dean’s Garden lends itself perfectly to taking our audiences on a journey through Wonderland.’

Gates will open one hour prior to each performance for audience members to bring picnics and enjoy the surroundings of the garden. There is also the opportunity to prepurchase a specially created picnic box from Ely Picnic Hampers.

To enter, please visit our Facebook page @FamCambsMag and like and share our competition post. Good luck. present

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News & Views Chestnut Nursery Baby News What's On Grafham Water How to teach kids more about money feature 12. The importance of routines 13. Lessons in helping your child improve their mental health 15 . Clubs & Classes EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiesCambridgeshire.co.uk ASSISTANT EDITOR: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net

ELY OPEN AIR THEATRE IS BACK THIS SUMMER!

22,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

The Dean’s Gar den | Ely Cat hedral

21 – 24 JULY 2022

www.kdt hea tre.isco.u Families Cambridgeshire part of Families Print Ltd, k | 013 53 725 026 in the a franchise company. All franchised magazines 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 Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Cambridgeshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Cambridgeshire its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

ELY OPEN AIR THEATRE IS BACK THIS SUMMER! KD Theatre Productions Ltd present

The Dean’s Garden | Ely Cathedral

21 – 24 JULY 2022

www.kdtheatre.co.uk | 01353 725 026 familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 3

News & Views

Dreamy cloud prints from PO.P

The Wateraid collection features gorgeous organic loungewear for babies and children aged 0-12, with two legging and top sets for ages 1-12 and two babygrows for ages 0-2 years, perfect for a cosy day indoors or the comfiest night’s sleep. Two striking prints are available, including PO.P’s iconic stripes in a beautiful new limited-edition sky blue and a simply dreamy cloud print. www.polarnopyret.co.uk

Rumble’s Big Family Camp Out

Award-winning Rumble Live in Cambridgeshire has announced it will be hosting its first ever overnight camping event - Rumble’s Big Family Camp Out - on Thursday 2nd June - the start of the long Platinum Jubilee weekend.

The overnight camping pass costs £50 per head which will include: a spot to pitch your tent; three 60 minute Rumble Live woodland laser tag sessions (two evening sessions and one morning, worth £45); evening campfire food and breakfast (including vegetarian options).

There will also be music entertainment in the evening.

To mark the Jubilee, Rumble Live will be running a ‘Platinum tournament’, which will involve a leaderboard across the three sessions.

The highest scorer will win an annual pass for Rumble Live, granting them free, unlimited entry for a whole year, as well as a Rumble Live Platinum medal.

For those who want to camp but not participate in the Rumble Live sessions, the entry fee will be £20.

The event will host up to 100 campers and is open to adults and children of all ages, although children must be 8+ to participate in the sessions.

Campers must bring their own camping equipment, however toilet block facilities (with an accessible toilet) are available at the site.

“We’re incredibly excited to be hosting our first camping event,” says Jacquie Rumble who co-owns Rumble Live with husband Billy, “for some time we’ve considered the setting to be perfect for camping and, with the long bank holiday weekend in June, we thought we’d do something a little different which we’re sure will attract new players as well as delighting our regulars. It will be a fun occasion for all the family, not just the ones who join in the Rumble Live sessions.”

Bookings for Rumble’s Big Family Camp Out can be made by emailing ask@rumblelive.co.uk 4 Families Cambridgeshire

Air Up

With summer fast approaching and warmer weather, it is essential that children drink plenty of water. Dehydration can be the source of a variety of health and wellness problems, from anxiety to fainting spells, and even weight gain - so why is it that 45% of Brits continue to drink only one glass of water a day?

The UK sees a soft drinks market worth £3.8 billion dominated by sugary drinks and those labelled as 'zero-calorie' are still filled with a variety of additives and sweeteners. Brits are naturally looking for healthy alternatives to these flavourful drinks in order to consume enough water without ingesting copious amounts of sugar that is detrimental to their health and hydration goals.

With 80% of flavour coming from our sense of smell, instead of taste, air up harnesses this clever bit of science, infusing every sip of water from your bottle with flavoured air, and offering Brits a healthy alternative to flavoured drinks while still drinking 100% pure water.

Each pod contains natural flavourings and scents that infuse with ambient air to be added to the pure water. The flavours range from Lime and Orange-Passionfruit to Cola and Iced Coffee with ten others in between, offsetting British aversions to water and improving our sense of health and wellness in the process, truly disrupting the soft drinks sector and our consumption habits. www.air-up.com

The Million Word Gap

Young children whose parents read them five books a day start school having heard about 1.4 million more words than kids who were never read to, a new study found.

This ‘million word gap’ could help explain the differences often seen in vocabulary and reading development among young children, according to the researchers at the Ohio State University.

Even children who are read only one book a day will hear about 290,000 more words by age 5 than those who don't regularly read books with a parent or caregiver.

‘Kids who hear more vocabulary words are going to be better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school and are likely to pick up reading skills more quickly and easily’ said Jessica Logan, lead author of the study.

The study appears online in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Paediatrics More info: www.sciencedaily.com

familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views

Free kids’ app that saves the planet

Earth Cubs is a new app for children ages 3 to 7 that educates kids about the planet and sustainability. The free app is filled with games, puzzles, quizzes and comics - all teacherwritten and approved, as well as resources for projects and outdoor activities to inspire kids to get out into nature.

Children create their Earth Cub avatar in their likeness and journey across the world, visiting different environments around the globe, such as the Amazon rainforest and the Arctic.

Each environment brings an environmental issue to life in a vibrant and positive way, empowering kids to make a real difference as they interact with the Earth Cubs world and characters. They even earn badges that plant real trees in the real world.

More info: www.earthcubs.com

Foster Care Fortnight® is back!

Foster Care Fortnight® runs from 9th to 22nd May this year and is the UK's biggest foster carer awareness raising and recruitment campaign.

Run by The Fostering Network, the campaign aims to raise the profile of fostering and to show how foster care can transform lives - both the lives of the young people who are fostered and those of foster carers and their families and friends.

Thousands of foster families are needed each year to care for a range of children, with greatest need being for foster carers for older children, sibling groups and disabled children.

Fostering is an opportunity to make a positive difference to a vulnerable child or young person, expand your skills through training and to develop lifetime relationships with generous financial incentives.

More info:www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/ get-involved/foster-care-fortnight

UK’s first wardrobe rental platform for children Charlotte Morley launched The Little Loop in 2020 in answer to what she perceived as a major issue in the children’s clothing market as children grow quickly, it’s often necessary to upgrade their clothes every three to six months. The Little Loop offers an alternative to frequently purchasing inexpensive, poorlycrafted clothes that are disposed of after a certain number of wears. The service provides children aged from 12 months to 10 years with a selection of highly stylish clothes that can be put back into circulation once they no longer fit.

Thelittleloop is working towards a world where children’s clothing waste is completely eradicated. In the space of a year, the brand currently saves 630 kgs of clothing waste; 13,547kgs of carbon dioxide emissions and 583,771 litres of water. Typically, thelittleloop rents out each item of clothing 4-5 times which extends their lifespan by 12 months and eliminates the production of 3-4 new garments. In summary, that’s 80% less carbon dioxide released, 80% less water wasted and 100% fewer garments ending up in landfill (as

thelittleloop upcycles or recycles everything at the end of its life).

Thelittleloop process was designed with the parent in mind. The simple premise is that the customer pays for a certain number of credits per month which can be exchanged for clothes. The number of credits per garment depends on the label, the item, and the number of times it has been worn before.

The subscription fee includes unlimited swaps; laundry of the clothes that are returned and insurance against stains and wear & tear. thelittleloop.com

Smile this summer with a FREE Perform class

Summer term is here and there’s no better time for your child to try a Perform class. Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform weekly classes will round off the academic year with a fun and relaxed focus on developing confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes for all abilities are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine.

The curriculum has an emphasis on fun, making friends and lots of laughter plus children can enjoy bespoke apps, downloads and videos at home. Small classes ensure plenty of individual attention and each child receives a progress report every 10 weeks. This term,4-7s will be bringing out the super in themselves as they become Superheroes on a mission to save the world. Meanwhile, 7-12s will enjoy red carpet glamour in Jack and the Wonderbeans.

If you think your child may benefit from Perform but are not sure if they’ll like it, you can book a free trial class at www.perform.org.uk/try. Families’ readers receive a special £40 discount when booking before 31st May, just quote CAM310522.

Hills Road Sports Centre: Wednesdays; Newnham Croft Primary School: Saturdays; St. Andrew's Church Hall Chesterton: Mondays NEW CLASSES COMING SOON (September 2022): Additional classes at St. Andrew's Church Hall Chesterton: £40 DISCOU Mondays T: 020 7255 9120 www.perform.org.uk NT when booking before 31st M ay, just quote

CAM310522

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 5

Families Education At Chestnut Nursery School, we promote our children developing lifelong skills and a love of learning. We recognise that what a child learns at a young age is embedded in their development and that during our early years we learn all the fundamental skills needed to reach our full lifelong potential.

Alongside the EYFS, we follow our core curriculum: LITTLE EXPLORERS - Experiencing the natural world through outdoor hands-on activities MINI ARTISTS - Exploring objects and materials through play LITTLE BOOK LOVERS - sharing the love for stories through our imagination LITTLE COMMUNICATORS - encouraging our children to be expressive and confident!

At our nursery we recognise and promote the importance of books. An environment where books are celebrated, valued and loved is a place where children will model and develop a love for books, reading and learning. The early introduction of you reading with your child every day can make a positive difference to their language and future reading skills. At the nursery we focus on one book per week and our planning is centralised around this. We also have a home library to allow children to share stories with you at home and extend their learning.

The children’s wellbeing is central to all we do at Chestnut Nursery. We believe that our children learn, develop and thrive in

6 Families Cambridgeshire

an environment where they are nurtured, happy and safe. We foster this environment with a team of staff who are passionate and committed to encouraging children to reach their full potential. We believe in embedding the skills and early learning which will provide them for lifelong learning. At Chestnut Nursery, it is a happy and positive place to be for both children and staff alike.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Chestnut family!

If you would like to find out more about a place for your child CHESTERTON - Abbie Reedman, Nursery Manager 01223 728390 chesterton@chestnut-nursery.co.uk COTTENHAM - Georgia Froud, Nursery Manager 01954 250744 cottenham@chestnut-nursery.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Baby News

Flying with a baby: what to pack in your carry-on with @NannyLouenna With warmer weather on the horizon, many people will be jetting off for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Many of them will be travelling for the first time with their babies. The idea of going on a plane with a little one seems daunting, however with some essential planning, the right gear, and a willingness to make lists, flying with a baby or young kids can be enjoyable.

Nelsons® Teetha® have teamed up with Norland Nanny @Nannylouenna to bring you top tips on how to make that first flight a smooth one.

• When preparing to fly with a young baby, ring your airline and ask for a bassinet cot as soon as you book your tickets.

• Babies and children need to have their own passports to fly, regardless of age.

• If you are taking a big pram that won’t be allowed as carry-on luggage, it’s worth buying a pram cover to pack your pram in when it goes through cargo on the plane, as they are often thrown around with the bags and can get broken if not protected.

• Dress your baby in layers of thin clothing that can be taken off or added depending on whether the cabin gets very hot or cold throughout the journey.

• Always offer milk or a dummy on take-off and landing. The sucking and swallowing rhythm will stop your baby’s ears from popping and getting sore.

• On the flight, try and stick to your baby’s usual routine, but offer extra milk. The lack of humidity in the air in the cabin can cause dehydration.

• Give yourself lots of time at the airport so that you aren't in a rush, smile at your baby, talk to them, and above all… stay calm!

BABY CABIN BAG CHECKLIST • If you are taking formula milk with you, pack containers to take formula powder with you - always take at least two extra pots than you anticipate you need in case of spillages or delays. Ask the flight attendant for boiling water to make your babies bottle up half an hour before needed so that it has time to cool down.

• Muslins • Bibs • Soft blanket • Baby book

• Suction pad toy that sticks to the table so that you aren't constantly picking up toys from the floor!

• Disposable change mats to use in public changing stations which I throw away after use.

• Nappies, wipes and nappy cream • Packet of ziplock bags to hold sterile teething toys, bowls, spoons, and bottles. They're also great for storing wet clothing or separating things in your bag.

• If your little one is weaning, take some food pouches with you, a spoon and a beaker or bottle for water.

• Baby moisturiser to massage your baby’s skin as their cheeks often get dry and cracked. It also doubles as a great hand moisturiser for you!

• Thermometer and sachets of Calpol® if your baby is feverish.

• If your little one is suffering from teething symptoms, take the Teetha Teething Granules to provide relief.

• Spare clothes for you (in case you are sicked on) and your baby in your hand luggage.

• Small foldable pram like the Babyzen™ Yoyo, or a baby sling with you so that you have your hands free to deal with passports etc.

• Antibacterial wipes are great for cleaning highchairs, surfaces and cots when you travel

5 Top Tips for Hiring a Professional Nanny or Babysitter 1. Check they have completed a paediatric specific first aid course within the past 3 years.

Ask to see their certificate.

2. Can they provide the contact details of at least 2 previous Employers? Childcare related desirable!

3. Do they have appropriate Public Liability Insurance?

4. Check they have the right to work in the UK. 5. Check they have an enhanced DBS certificate on the Government update system. We can assist you with a live criminal background check.

Let someone else do all the hard work for you for a one off, discounted fee with thebeeskneeschildcaresolutions.com

familiesonline.co.uk

'Baby talk' can help infants learn to make words

Confidently discover the world with Stokke® Xplory

Stokke, the Scandinavian brand of luxury and timeless baby and children’s products, has announced a new addition to its globally renowned Xplory® product line: the Stokke® Xplory® X Signature. The ultimate fashion statement for stylish parents, the Signature features timeless and high-end aesthetic, an all-black frame with luxe matte gold chassis, and golden logos peppered across a striking black hood, for a stylish yet subtle finish.

Stokke® Xplory® X Signature, RRP £1,079 www.stokke.com

Speaking ‘baby talk’ to infants not only helps parents and caregivers connect with them but it may also help babies learn to make words, a study by the University of Florida has found.

Mimicking the sound of a smaller vocal tract helps babies understand how words should sound coming out of their own mouths, the researchers said.

The researchers changed the frequency of sounds to mimic both infant and adult vocal tracts and then tested how infants reacted to each. They discovered babies had a distinct preference for speech with resonances of a vocal tract that is similar in size and length to their own.

While parents are sometimes discouraged from engaging in baby talk, the research shows the patterns associated with that speaking style, which scientists call ‘infantdirected speech,’ could be a key component in helping babies make words.

More info www.sciencedaily.com/releases/ Families Cambridgeshire 7

RUMBLE’S BIG FAMILY CAMP OUT

n What’s, pO laces to Things to do be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all

Cambridgeshir

WHEN: 2nd - 3rd June, 16.00 - 10.30 WHERE: Grafham Water, Huntingdon

Rumble Live, an award-winning family-friendly woodland attraction, is hosting its first ever overnight camping event to kick start the long Platinum Jubilee weekend. The included laser tag ‘Platinum tournament’ competition will earn the overall highest scorer an annual pass for Rumble Live.

To book email ask@rumblelive.co.uk £50 each (includes camping, dinner, breakfast and 3 one-hour laser tag sessions) www.rumblelive.co.uk 01480 592135

e

Wildlife Watch Life in the pond

WHEN: 7th May, 14.00 - 16.00

WHERE: Trumpington Meadows

Grab a net to discover all the wonderful creatures who live in and around the water, create a pond-themed craft to take home, and get a free activity pack! £7.50 per child www.wildlifebcn.org 01487 710420

Park-O

Wildlife Week

Animal Antics

13.00 - 15.00 WHERE: Coldham’s Common (May) and Hinchingbrooke Country Park (June) An easy, fun way for juniors and families to try orienteering and enjoy the local park. Three different courses and friendly advice to get you started.

Family groups £5; Child £2 www.waoc.org.uk

5th June

WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn

WHEN: 14th May and 18th June,

Mischief and Mystery in Moomin Valley WHEN: 22nd May,

Nature Tots

WHEN: 9th & 23rd May and

13th & 27th June, 10.00 - 11.30 WHERE: Ferry Meadows, Peterborough A fun monthly outdoor parent and toddler group with a nature theme. The whole session will take place outside, so please dress for the weather.

2+ years. £4.00 www.nenepark.org.uk/ferrymeadows 01733 234193

Arts and Creativity Classes (age 5 - 7) WHEN: Saturdays in May,

June and July, 9.20 and 10.40 WHERE: Mayfield Primary School, Cambridge Children will practice and learn about all types of arts, such as drawing, painting and making crafts, and be encouraged to explore their own inner worlds, communicate their own thinking and produce their own designs.

Most importantly, they will have fun! primrosecreativearts.com

8 Families Cambridgeshire

11.30 and 14.30 WHERE: The Junction, Cambridge Pack your imagination and head on an unforgettable journey to Moomin Valley where everyone is welcome, nature thrives, and adventures are plentiful. Expect snow, surprises and plenty of Moomin mischief.

From £6.00 www.junction.co.uk 01223 511511

Holiday Trail

WHEN: 28th May, 10.00 - 16.00 WHERE: Ferry Meadows,

Peterborough Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and then hunt for questions as you walk around Ferry Meadows. Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your prize. £1.00 per sheet www.nenepark.org.uk/ferrymeadows

WHEN: 28th May -

WHERE: Audley End

Railway Wildlife Week will teach your children all about the different habitats, insects and creatures you may find in the wild, or even at the Railway! From £8.50 (children under 1 free) Booking essential. www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

Cambridge Nature Festival

WHEN: 27th May - 30th June

WHERE: Various locations in and

around Cambridge Nature-based activities and events including BioBlitzes, guided nature wanders, live music, wildlife ID workshops, art installations and much more. www.cambridgeppf.org/event/ cambridge-nature-festival

Holiday Bushcraft Club WHEN: 30th - 31st May,

8.30-16.00 WHERE: Wandlebury Country Park Sessions focus on practical bushcraft and survival skills and follow a forest school approach encouraging self-confidence and sense of achievement. Age 5 - 12 £38 per child per day.

Booking essential www. wildthymeandembers.co.uk/ holidaybushcraftclub/

WHEN: 31st May, 13.00 and 17.00

Exchange Dinosaurs, elephants, saltwater crocodiles and the incredible orangutans bring the stage to life with this entertaining and educational live show that will delight the whole family.

From £14.50 www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk 01553 764864

Drop-in Weekend Tours WHEN: Sundays in May WHERE: Cambridge University

Botanic Garden Enjoy a free-of-charge one hour Garden tour with one of their expert guides, taking in the seasonal highlights of the Garden.

Tours are free-of-charge but normal Garden admission charges apply. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/

Cambourne Wild Babies

(Summer Term Series) WHEN: 8th June, 9.30 - 11.30 WHERE: Cambourne Nature Reserve 5 weekly sessions designed to support the wellbeing of parents and carers of babies enabling them to access their local green space and learn about wildlife.

Accompanying children need to be pre-walking and under 18 months.

Free www.wildlifebcn.org 07894 599020

PETERBOROUGH DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL WHEN: 11th June, 9.00 - 17.00

WHERE: Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough

Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival is back for 2022 with up to 48 teams making a splash on the 200m racecourse. Bankside entertainment, food stalls and fun activities guarantee a fabulous day out for all the family! www.nenepark.org.uk/ferry-meadows familiesonline.co.uk

Families What's on Cambourne Little Bugs

(Summer Term Series) WHEN: 10th June, 9.30 - 11.00 WHERE: Cambourne Nature Reserve The programme of 5 weekly sessions is designed to support the wellbeing of the adults, as well as provide activities and resources to engage toddlers (18 months - 4 years) in outdoor nature-related activities. Free www.wildlifebcn.org 07894 599020

Strawberry Fair Love the Planet

GRAFHAM WATER, HUNTINGDON WHEN: May and June, 8.00 - 17.00

With nine miles of well-maintained tracks around the reservoir, plus many unique nature trails to follow, picnic area, visitor centre, cafe and playgrounds, Grafham Water has something to interest the whole family. Car Park fees apply. anglianwaterparks.co.uk/grafham-water 01480 811075

Duxford Summer Air Show WHEN: 18th and 19th June WHERE: IWM Duxford

Fuel your senses with fastflying, all-action aerobatics, and spectacular sights in the air and on the ground. IWM Duxford have all the ingredients for a day out full of highs!

From £15.00 www.iwm.org.uk/airshows/ duxford-summer-air-show

Cambridge Midsummer Fair WHEN: 22nd - 27th June

WHERE: Midsummer Common, WHEN: 11th June

WHERE: Midsummer Common,

Cambridge Celebrate the vibrant and creative city of Cambridge at this one-day music and arts event.

Enjoy an eclectic range of music and performances from well over 100 groups, both local and from further afield. Free strawberry-fair.org.uk

Roses

WHEN: 12th

June, 10.00 16.00 WHERE:

Chippenham Park Gardens Summer will be in full swing at Chippenham Park and there will be a beautiful display of roses, and other spectacular flowers,in bloom. Delicious home-made food and refreshments in the licensed Potting Shed Cafe.

Adult £7; Children £3 (Under 5’s Free) (Cash only) www.chippenhamparkgardens. info/opening-dates

Cambridge Held since 1211, Cambridge Midsummer Fair is one of the country’s oldest travelling funfairs.

Enjoy a traditional fun fair and the very best white-knuckle rides.

There's also candyfloss, hot dogs, toffee apples and more.

Rumble Live Action Gaming (Laser Tag)

Little Bugs Club Great Fen

WHERE: Grafham Water,

(Term-time): 10.30 - 12.00 WHERE: Countryside Centre, Ramsey Heights A fantastic introduction to the natural world for pre-school children. Each weekly session is packed with activities, walks and games….be prepared to get mucky. £7 per child. www.wildlifebcn.org 01487 710420

WHEN: May and June

Huntingdon The perfect family day out designed by a family for families using the latest laser tag equipment, providing the best experience. This isn’t just laser tag, it’s about bringing together the best of the real and virtual worlds. £15 per person per hour. www.rumblelive.co.uk 01480 592135

Top Secret The Magic of Science WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn

Partyman World of Play WHEN: May and June

WHERE: Mercers Row, Cambridge

Huge indoor play frame with specially designed toddler area as well as baby areas for little guests under three years. With café as well as extra activities during holiday periods. Peak and off-peak prices. Membership available. Hire them for fun parties too! From £1.95 www.partymanworld.co.uk/ location/cambridge

Open Farm Sunday Meet a Farmer

WHEN: 12th June

WHERE: Various locations across Cambridgeshire

Hundreds of farms across the country will be opening their gates offering you the opportunity to find out about where your food comes from, talk to the farmers who produce it and get up close and personal with the countryside.

Free www.farmsunday.org familiesonline.co.uk

Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre, Stow Bardolph WHEN: May and

WHEN: 26th June, 14.00

Exchange Top Secret is a fast-moving colourful magical science show filled with mystery, suspense, lots and lots of mess that will inspire and educate every young budding magician and scientist. From £9.50 01553 764864 www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk

WHEN: May and June - Fridays

June, 10 - 17.00 Make friends with a wide variety of tame animals and experience all their young at close quarters throughout the season as well as enjoying their adventure playground. 01366 382162 www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk/

Pick Your Own Fruits WHEN: May and June WHERE: Farms in

Cambridgeshire Farms offering PYO include Bury Lane Farm, Chaplins Farm, Hill Farm, Sunclose Farm, Lidgate Farm and R&S Norman. Check each venue for opening times and types of fruit available. www.pyo.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 9

Families Advertorial

Bell Tent Village to open at Grafham Water Centre this Spring!

Like many businesses Grafham Water Centre in Cambridgeshire suffered some huge losses through 2020 and 2021 but they have made a massive comeback this year with a record turn out of school residential visits starting in January this year!

Summer 2022 looks set to be one of their best summers on record so much so, they’ve filled both of their accommodation blocks! This has led to new ideas being sought, and they are delighted to announce that from May 2022 the Centre will Open their NEW Bell Tent Village to Schools and the Public!

The Village will house 10 Bell Tents sleeping up to 8 children in each tent. Alongside the tents will be some designated fire pits for toasting marshmallows in the warm summer evenings and also a kitchen unit for washing up etc.

This has already proved a huge success with schools wanting to bring their children on their yearly residential visits, and with the Tent option, this is offering something completely different and a new experience for many young children.

The Centre is also opening up the tented doors to the public on dates throughout the summer months. To book, please check out Pitch.com from just £60 per night for your tent!

We look forward to welcoming you all this summer!

GRAFHAM W ATER CENTRE

families@

www.grafham-water-centre.co.uk GW half page tents 2022.qxp 11/04/2022 09:57 Page 1

Bring your family camping with us this summer Selected dates from May onwards

g n i p m a C t n e T l l e B

to 8 Sleeps up only per night

£60

Camping mattresses provided, just bring your sleeping bag and pillow

to book phone 01480 810521

www.grafham-water-centre.co.uk

Book here

Families Education

How to teach your kids more about money

by Gillean Dooney

Approaching the topic of money with your kids can often seem like a daunting task. Many parents are unsure of the best time to start introducing it and struggle to verbalise it appropriately for young children to understand. As a mother myself, I’ve learned the best ways to simplify the concept of money for kids over the years - and the earlier the better!

A great place to start is by chatting to your kids about everyday items that cost you money as a family household, such as sharing how much you spend on weekly groceries and how you’ve budgeted for past holidays, family meals out or other leisure activities. Helping your kids understand that none of these things come for free will allow your child to slowly get a grasp on the concept of money from a young age. You can then help them build on this as they get older.

Whenever your child receives money, whether that be for birthdays or Christmas, encourage them to save a percentage so they can start to see their money grow. Teach them that out of sight means out of mind and explain the benefits of stashing it away so that they can use it for something they truly need one day in the future.

If you’re looking for a fun way to engage your kids around the topic of money, why not play board games that involve handling cash? For example, Monopoly is a great way to show how money can be used to purchase a house, as well as teaching children the importance of having ‘emergency funds’ available. Not only are these games educational and a great bonding moment for families but the important money management themes will stick with them for the long run.

Another way to get stuck in with a creative financial lesson is to set up a tuckshop at home. By giving your kids a set amount of money to spend on snacks and treats each week, this is an easy way for them

to start understanding the nuances of money exchanges in everyday scenarios. Challenge them to make their money last the whole week, so that they can also start to grasp the concept of budgeting. If you choose to make the price of sweet treats more than that of fruit, you’ll not only encourage them to think about where they’re spending their money but they will also learn how to make healthier choices.

KIDS TRAVEL

FREE

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Cambridge Park & Ride Taking you into the heart of Cambridge Open seven days a week

For more information on fares, timetables and other details, please visit www.cambridgeparkandride.info * Up to 3 children under 16 travel free with each fare paying passenger

familiesonline.co.uk

Pocket Money Giving your children pocket money from a young age is a good way to get them thinking about and handling their own money.

You could create a list of weekly chores and then award them with pocket money once these tasks are complete - whether that’s dog walking or doing the dishes. In fact, new research from Barclays revealed how much parents value having their children lend a hand around the home, with over two thirds (68 percent) rewarding them with pocket money.* Having a specified amount of money to spend each week will teach them to prioritise what items they need the most, and how to distinguish between ‘want’ and ‘need’, based on their allocated budget. For example, they may have to choose between saving up for a new toy they’ve had their eye on versus buying a birthday gift for their friend. *Consumer research was conducted by OnePoll surveying 1,000 parents with children under the age of 16 in the UK between the dates of 19.11.21 and 23.11.21 Gilliean is Managing Director at Barclays and mum-of-two. For more info on teaching children about money, visit www.barclays. co.uk/money-management/guides/kids-pocket-money/

Families Cambridgeshire 11

Families Education

The importance of routines for young children

by Claire Burgess

Routine is important for all of us. It provides safe, comfortable boundaries and keeps our lives on track. But it also means different things to different people and needs to fit each individual family, adjusting as children grow. Some families benefit from more structure, while others work well with more flexible routines. There is no right or wrong in a routine, other than when it doesn’t work for your children or for you!

WHY DO BABIES AND CHILDREN NEED ROUTINE? As humans every day of our lives is made up of various mini routines. These are the little routines which we have perfected over time and repeat daily, all of which help us to manage our day, many times without even really thinking about it.

Routine is also another word for security. By having a routine it helps our children (and us) to feel secure and we are at our best when we feel safe and secure. This is when we are able to concentrate, cooperate, negotiate, listen and ultimately learn.

Being able to tell the time gives adults the ability to develop routines but babies and young children don’t have this luxury. So they are relying on us to help them understand how

their day is going to be structured.

It’s worth being aware that if this timing changes day to day, your child will be constantly unsure of what is happening next.

In turn, this may lead to them displaying challenging behaviours, their eating habits fluctuating and their sleep being disturbed.

HOW DO I KEEP MY CHILD ON TRACK? It is all about watching for the signals. These can be subtle and can sometimes be easily missed; observation of your child is key. Look for those little indicators such as wandering off around the house and not being able to focus on things, becoming clingy when they were happily playing, staring into space, getting cross, frustrated or fidgeting, upset or boisterous. These can all be indicators that things are not quite right and your child needs you to help them find the way back into their routine. Once you have recognised this, you can put a plan into action.

TOP TIPS Make the routine fit for your family. Every family is unique and has their own way of structuring their day; what works for your friend might not work for you.

Don’t make it too rigid. But do have two key

times of the day: the time your children get up in the morning and the time they go to bed.

If you aim for and stick to these two points of the day, it will help to regulate your child’s sleep hormones at night and ‘get up and go’ hormones in the morning. Between these times you should schedule regular mealtimes (and snacks dependent on the activity of the day) and possibly naps. This gives you a constant structure to the day which will give both you and your children the security and safety to approach each day with confidence.

Consistency. For something to become a habit it needs to be consistent. When implementing a new routine or an adjustment, it can take at least two weeks to stick, so persevere!

Claire Burgess is a director and family consultant at Bespoke Family (www. bespokefamily.co.uk), which offers tailored support from newborns to teens.

Making it work

A completely rigid system leaves little room for spontaneity and can be selfdefeating. Don’t be afraid to nudge your routine when the need arises.

For example, if lunchtime is usually one o’clock on a normal day, but today you have been swimming and your little one is showing signs of being really hungry and tired, take the hint and bring lunch forward.

Just half an hour might be the difference between the biggest ‘I’m hungry and tired’ meltdown and having your little one eating well and feeling happy (meaning that you are happy and relaxed as well!)

The one routine that’s always worth sticking to is the fixed bedtime. Proper sleep is as important to children as a healthy diet. Including naps, experts recommend up to sixteen hours’ sleep for infants and up to twelve hours per night for older children. While it might be tempting to keep your little one up later than normal to fit in with your own plans, sleep time is when kids grow and rest so that they are ready for everything tomorrow brings.

Families Health

Lessons in helping your child improve their mental health If your child is struggling, here’s how to help them access mental health support at school by Louise Baty Nobody should suffer in silence. If your child is struggling with their mental health, they don’t have to cope alone and neither do you. There are people out there who can help.

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (9th to 15th May 2022) focuses on the theme of loneliness. Struggling with mental health can make you feel incredibly isolated and lonely and, if your child has confided in you that they’re unhappy about something, be proud of them for taking that first step. By confiding in you, your child may already feel less weighed down and lonely. After all, there’s a reason why that old saying ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ is so well known.

However, while you can offer love and reassurance, you may not be able to give them the practical support that they need - and it’s important to know where exactly to access it.

Many parents’ first point of call will be their GP. However, you may decide that your child’s school teacher or tutor is the first person you’d like to approach, given that they spend considerable time with them and are responsible for their pastoral care at school.

Once you’ve approached your child’s teacher or tutor, they might pass you on to a mental health professional working within the school system.

There are many professionals working under the umbrella of Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS), which may also be known as Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) depending on where you live, and is the multi-disciplinary UK-based NHS services that assess and treat young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties along with neurodivergent conditions.

These professionals include: • School nurse - works with school children and their families • Special educational needs (SEN) teacher supports pupils with specialist educational needs • Social worker - works within the community supporting families and children • Occupational therapist - helps people who have physical, sensory, or cognitive problems • Counsellor - helps people overcome their problems with talking therapy, listening to them and encouraging them to make changes to their lives • CBT therapist - counsellor specialising in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a talking therapy that helps you make positive changes to your thought and behaviour pattern Before your child has their first appointment with one of these professionals, they may feel daunted by the prospect of speaking to someone new about their mental health.

Reassure them that addressing their worries is the best way to eventually overcome them. You might be allowed to attend their appointment or they may attend alone. Either way, you can help them prepare for their appointment.

Firstly, having some notes prepared can be helpful so that they know what they want to talk about and can also jog their memory if they lose their train of thought, as can happen if you’re feeling emotional.

A mental health professional will ask questions, such as why your child thinks they have been referred for help and how they’ve been coping with the issue up to this point.

They may be asked how things are at home

and school, along with anything from their past that might be affecting how they’re currently feeling.

Your child may be given tasks such as filling in a form with questions about how they’re feeling now and whether they’ve ever thought about harming themselves. This may seem overwhelming, especially if it’s the first time they’ve opened up to someone they don’t really know. Impress on your child that it’s important they answer honestly so that they get the right support.

Your child may be given ‘homework’ to do between appointments, such as practising mindfulness exercises or jotting a daily record of their feelings. If they complain that they ‘already get enough homework from school’, remind them that it’s important to do this work because it will help them get the most out of their mental health support.

Mental H ealth Awarene ss Week 9-15 May 2022 It’s also worth being prepared for a somewhat bumpy ride, as your child works towards recovery. They may wake up some days and feel that they’re not going anywhere. Reassure them that everyone who’s experienced a mental health issue has felt like this at some point but that things will get better.

During this process, it’s also important to remember your own wellbeing and mental health. As a parent, you may find it hard to cope when your child is having a tough time.

Don’t be afraid to seek support for yourself and never underestimate the positive power of a quick ‘how are you doing?’ phone call or hug from someone who genuinely cares for you and your child.

A great way to boost your spirits and your child’s sense of achievement is to mark your successes, no matter how small. Encourage your child to make a note of good days and try not to dwell too much on down days. Believe in your ability to get through difficult times as a team. Above all, be kind to yourselves - always.

Louise Baty is the author of In My Head: A Young Person’s Guide to Understanding Mental Health, published by Vie, £10.99

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 13

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rumblelive.co.uk Located at beautiful Grafham Water, Huntingdon in eight acres of beautiful woodland, Rumble Live brings video games to real life with team based fun - scavenge your environment to find utility boxes containing extra ammo, respawns and special weapon upgrades to take down the other team.

Suitable for adults and children aged 8+

• Experience state of the art technology with the best laser rifles and grenades • Rack your performance against friends • Unlock kill streaks and compete with friends and family on the scoreboard • New bases, hides and missions for this summer • Optional shock bracelets available for 18+

Families Clubs & Classes

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THE PERSE SUMMER SCHOOL

WHEN: 11th July - 5th August

Open to children aged 7 to 14 from all schools offering a wide range of courses including hockey, cookery, outdoor pursuits, golf, photography and water sports. All courses, except multi-sports, run for a week of mornings or a week of afternoons. persesummerschool.co.uk/ 01223 403800

classes clubs and alf term h y a M s i th er in and summ

eshire g d i r b m a C Multi-Active Holiday Courses

WHEN: 30th May - 1st June,

Half term and Summer Sailing Courses WHEN: 30th May - 2nd June,

3rd - 6th and 24th - 27th August WHERE: Paxton Lakes Official RYA training centre that welcomes people 8 years +, with large selection of boats and equipment available. Tuition in 4 lessons, either mornings or afternoons on 4 consecutive days. Adult £125.00 Child (minimum age 8) £100.00 plus £6.99 for log book. www.paxtonlakes.org.uk/index. php/sailing-school

July & August: 9.00 - 16.00 WHERE: Ely College (Summer only); Houghton Primary School, Wyton; and St Marys CofE Primary, St. Neots Multi-Active exist to provide affordable and reliable childcare and day care to parents and carers and provide innovative experiences to get ALL children ACTIVE and not just sporty children. Ages 5 - 13 www.multi-active.co.uk 07561 416208

Active Camps

WHEN: May Half Term and

Summer Holidays WHERE: Leys School, Cambridge Whether your child (3- 14 years) is interested in sport, arts, crafts or a bit of everything, Active Camps have activities to suit everybody.

No two days are the same! www.active-camps.com 01865 594325

Stagecoach Cambridge Holiday Workshops

WHEN: 25th July - 19th August,

Discovery Club

WHEN: 30th May- 1st June and

25th July - 26th August, 8.30 17.00 WHERE: Grafham Water Centre Activity clubs for 8 to 16 year olds who want to try new activities, develop existing skills, meet new friends and have fun! Activities include sailing, canoeing and windsurfing and land based skills such as archery, climbing and high ropes. www.grafham-watercentre.co.uk

10.00 - 16.00 WHERE: Coleridge Campus (25th July - 5th August and 15th - 19th August) and Cambourne Village College (8th - 12th August) Holiday workshops led by specialist and DBS checked teachers of drama, dance and singing. Students work towards a musical theatre piece to perform for family and friends on the final afternoon. No previous experience necessary, only energy and enthusiasm! Ages 7 15 years. www.stagecoach.co.uk 01223 359974

Ultimate Activity Camp WHEN: w/c 25th July -

22nd August WHERE: Sancton Wood Prep School Outstanding Ofsted - regulated activity day camps for children aged 4-14 years during the school holidays. www.ultimateactivity. co.uk/ 0330 111 7077 (local rate)

Razzamataz Cambridge WHERE: Impington Village

Barracudas Activity Day Camps WHEN: 25th July - 26th August,

8.30 - 17.30 WHERE: St Faith’s School and Long Road Sixth Form College Barracudas holiday camp offers a wide variety of exciting activities during the school holidays.

Children make new friends, try new activities and most of all have lots of FUN at this popular camp! www.barracudas.co.uk/camps 01480 467567

College Performing arts training for Razz Tots (2-3yrs), Minis (4-5yrs), Juniors (6-8), Inters (9-11yrs) to Razz Seniors (12-18yrs), with access to talented performers through specialist workshops and classes. Small classes to nurture a child’s confidence and selfesteem, plus a lot of fun.

From £72 for 12 weeks. Free taster session available. cambridge.razzamataz.co.uk 01223 755113 or 07895 347239

Norwich City CSF Soccer Camp

WHEN: 22nd - 26th August,

9.30 - 16.30 WHERE: Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon Football fanatics will have an amazing time taking part in this camp. Includes a mixture of workshop, classroom and practical sessions led by Norwich City CSF coaches to develop your child’s football skills and techniques as well as covering health and wellbeing. 7-12 years old www.barracudas.co.uk/camps 01480 467567

If booking any courses, please mention Families Cambridgeshire Magazine familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 15