Families Northeast Magazine Jul/Aug digital

FR EE IN THIS ISSUE

Summer activities Holidays Back to school Clubs & classes Crafts Food July/August 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 1

THE BOWES MUSEUM

18 June – 30 October Featuring work by Matt Wilcock, Winner of BBC Great Pottery Throw Down.

Join us on a dazzling journey of discovery. Take in hundreds of years of creativity with colour, from the Renaissance to the present day. Presented alongside our extraordinary collection are new technologies and artworks created by artists and colour fanatics. Soak up colour rich experiences as you adventure with us.

Barnard Castle, DL12 8NP • Open Daily 10am-5pm • FREE Entry to Café Bowes & shop • thebowesmuseum.org.uk • #TheBowesMuseum 2 July/August hello@thebowesmuseum.org.uk • 01833 690606 • Familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

In this issue

Welcome

4 Summer activities 9 Holidays 13 Health Well, Families has you covered. We have plenty 14 Clubs & Classes of low-cost summer entertainment ideas and 16 Crafts screen-free projects for the kids in this issue.

We hate to mention the words “school” at this 17 Screen-free kids’ fun time of year so all we will say is – September is 19 Summer food (unfortunately) closer than you think so keep the necessary preparations in mind. Check out our 20 Back to school recommendations for school bags and pencil 24 Toys cases for the new school year.

The long summer holiday is nearly here, bringing with it both the prospect of holidays and fun with the family – and the challenge of keeping the kids entertained for six weeks!

Finally, in this issue, we have loads of giveaways including cool kids’ backpacks and copies of the book Helping your Child Cope with Change.

By applying, you’ll also ensure you continue to receive this wonderful magazine!

Carla & Laura x

Get in touch Competition winners from our March/April issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list here.

Contact direct - no referral needed!

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July/August 3

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Free printable activities for all ages

Solve the “I’m bored!” problem - remember to take a stash of these with you when your family is out and about!

Seaside Holiday Activities

Stargazing Live Activity Pack

The Usborne Unworry Pack

Including word searches, I Spy Seaside and more.

Activities to explore the night sky from the BBC Stargazing LIVE team.

Collection of fun, mindful activities to help children calm their minds.

Road Trip Games

There Once is a Queen Jubilee Activity Pack

My Holiday Book

Fun-packed games including bingo, word search and maze.

Reading Reward Chart

Encourage the kids to keep reading during the holidays with this chart.

4 July/August

Celebrate Jubilee year with this activity pack.

Ladybird Activity Pack

Bumper activity pack with over thirty pages of fun.

Fun games and activities to entertain kids ages 3-5 on holiday.

Puffin Activity Pack

Word searches, activities, experiments and more.

Familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Low-cost summer fun Something different

Enjoy a wild swim When it warms up, take a dip at your local wild swimming spot.

Let’s fish!

The Canal and River Trust is running free fishing expert guided taster sessions.

Borrow a doggy Join Borrow My Doggy to bond with a dog in need of love while their owners are at work.

Free tennis coaching and court usage The LTA is running free tennis sessions or coaching at venues across Britain.

Out and about

Cinema deals Odeon and Cineworld will be running kids’ screenings with tickets priced from £3.25.

Hop on board the train. Have a rail adventure. Visit somewhere new on the cheap using a Family and Friends Railcard.

Visit a pet store Kids will enjoy checking out the pets for sale. Some stores run animal handling sessions and other activities.

Pick your own berries Gather a heap of juicy strawberries, raspberries or other summer fruit.

Help your child navigate 75 difficult times!

available

Apply for your FREE book Written by Liat Joshi Hughes Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

T&Cs apply

July/August 5

We are proud to sponsor the Families Awards to celebrate the very best the North East has to offer.

RATED EXCELLENT BY THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE

6 July/August

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SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Step out of the day-to-day and into a family adventure.

Offer valid until 17/07/22. T’s & C’s apply. Visit pgl.co.uk/familymag for details.

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July/August 7

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Best holiday activity books for kids Want something to occupy the kids on the plane, train, in a café or restaurant or if they just need a quiet ten minutes? You can’t go past these brilliant activity and sticker books.

What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday Sticker Book

Dinosaurium Activity Book

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Nature Sticker and Colouring Book

Find Tom in Time

Never Get Bored Activity Book

Little Sticker Dolly Dressing Unicorns

Ages 7-9. £9.29

Ages 2-3. £5.57

Age 6+. £7.43

8 July/August

Ages 6-10. £9.28

100 Things for Little Children to Do on a Journey Age 3+. £6.50

Age 3-5. £6.73

Age 6+. £9.29

Sticker by Letter: In the Wild Activity Book

Age 4+. £5.57

Holiday Puzzles and Games Age 7+. £6.50

Familiesonline.co.uk

HOLIDAYS

Taking children abroad

International travel is on many people’s minds again this year now that the majority, if not all, restrictions have been lifted to many destinations abroad. Many separated parents do not realise however that they may need to obtain consent from the other parent before travelling. It is so important to understand where you stand legally to ensure your holiday can proceed smoothly and there are no last minute hiccups.

Understanding the legal Position If you have a Child Arrangements Order to say that your child(ren) live with you, then you are permitted to take the children out of the jurisdiction (outside of England and Wales) for up to 28 days at a time.

You should however ensure that any planned holidays do not put you in breach of any other provisions in such an Order (such as making the children available to spend time with the other parent).

parental responsibility is required to remove the child(ren) from the jurisdiction even if only for a short holiday (to include to Scotland or Northern Ireland). A child’s mother always has parental responsibility for the child(ren) from birth. A child’s father may have parental responsibility if they are named on the child’s birth certificate, were married to the child’s mother, have a parental responsibility agreement with the child’s mother or a Court Order. A step parent or Guardian may also acquire parental responsibility if there is a parental responsibility agreement in place or a Court Order.

A parent who removes a child from the UK without such consent is effectively abducting that child, even if that child would usually live with them the majority of the same time. It perhaps goes without saying that child abduction is a criminal offence with potentially serious consequences.

READ MORE

Where there is no Court Order the consent of every person with Familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 9

HOLIDAYS

Perfect eco-friendly swimwear for summer Mix tops and bottoms to suit the occasion. Protect your child’s precious skin in a shortie suit or watch them cartwheel in a cossie!

If we had to pick one ‘can’t live without’ item, it would be the Power Poncho with its fast-drying fabric and hidden game on the inside.

Whatever your summer vibe, Grass&Air has got your family covered. Just add water.

More info HERE. This summer, Grass&Air is coming with you and your kids on every single adventure. �e hilarious new picture book in this bestselling, fart-tastic series

Illustrations © Beach, 2022

Its new Sun+Swim collection for kids ages 1 to 10 is bursting with clever ideas. Made using recycled plastic bottles and fabric offcuts, each piece has been designed for maximum enjoyment, whether kids are splashing in the paddling pool or doing karate kicks at big waves in the sea.

out now

10 July/August

Familiesonline.co.uk

HOLIDAYS

How to holiday responsibly We all need to do our bit for the planet so we asked our friends at Tested by Tots for their ideas for some eco-friendly holiday products that can easily be substituted for traditional alternatives.

Beeswax wraps

Washable & reusable for up to six years.

15% discount - TOTS15

Reef-friendly sunscreen

Switch to biodegradable spray from Nivea, freefrom ingredients that damage ocean life.

Beachwear

Frugi clothing uses GOTS certified organic cotton or recycled materials.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Reusable BBQs

Shampoo bars

Sustainable toys

Bamboo nappies and wipes

Saves space and is as The Landmann Piccolino effective as the runny BBQ comes in two stuff. Trial sizes available. colours for under £70.

These use recycled materials and are vigorously safety tested.

10% discount -10GREENTOYS22

Sustainable teethers

Decompose much more quickly than regular products.

50% off newborn starter kit - NBTOT50

Eco sunglasses

Made from sustainable wheat straw.

Made from natural, plantBiodegradeable. Four based rubber. colours for kids ages 5-9.

July/August 11

HOLIDAYS

Days out – put the kids in charge!

There are so many advantages to this including increased confidence for your kids and less brain work for you!

Benefits

Tips

Builds confidence that can then be applied in other areas eg school morning routines.

Set a budget and be clear what it covers eg entry fees, travel costs and food.

Provides valuable source of additional thinking and planning for you!

Spell everything out. Make sure they understand exactly what they are being asked to do.

Research and planning

On the day

Ensure they gather all relevant information eg opening times, entry fees, travelling times etc.

Let them navigate, whether that’s using a phone, map, tube map or street directory.

Suggest they plan the day including time for departure, arrival, journey and food breaks.

Be tolerant; making mistakes is all part of the learning.

Allows kids to exercise independence and test their abilities.

Put ONE child in charge. Others will get their turn IF they cooperate with their sibling.

Offer incentives such as bonus spending money for any savings they achieve.

Try to back off and not interfere too much but be there in case guidance or intervention is needed.

A Summer of Play on the Plaza Every Thursday you’ll find free family events on the plaza from Bubbleology to building super structures and more.

discoverymuseum.org.uk Free entry, donations welcome.

Discovery Museum, Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 4JA Central Station

12 July/August

Familiesonline.co.uk

HEALTH

The essence of supporting our families

that we need to get support for our families, children and young people earlier. So how can families get early intervention before they approach crisis point? How do we support children post pandemic soon enough so that this doesn’t have a profound effect on their future?

Another readily available route apart from the NHS, is from private practitioners more than Empowering our Mental Wellbeing ever before who can usually see families within one week. And can for children, young people (CYP) and families is more important now support and empower your family’s than ever before with mental health wellbeing using a wide range of basic psychological interventions, issues increasing and common amongst (CYP). Our now new Post complementary modalities such as, therapeutic Coaching, Cognitive Pandemic World has impacted Behavioural Coaching, Mindfulness, on the health of so many of us Neuro Linguistic Programming and especially on those who were already disadvantaged in accessing (NLP). You don’t need be referred prior to getting a consultation or support before this. wait on a list.

Recent data collected by NHS As a therapeutic coach, I can Digital 2021 suggests that we now support people to reconnect to live in a country where one in themselves by using integrative every six 5–16-year-olds have a modalities, coaching techniques mental health problem, up a third that help to build stronger from 2017 where 1 in 9 children relationships and can help you and and young people were estimated your family thrive. to have had a diagnosable mental health condition. The statistics for adolescent girls aged 17-19 are even One of my favourite approaches, I use to work with families and more alarming, with one in four especially young people is NLP. I having a probable mental health have found this so useful, helpful condition in 2021. Most recent and powerful, for so many issues research from mental health Mind Charity in May 22, reflects the worry this has had a positive impact of parents and grandparents about on the lives of people that I have supported. young people’s mental health. It is now more evident than ever before READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 13

CLUBS & CLASSES

Wilde Farm, Ponteland Wilde Farm holiday club is an award winning club in Ponteland for adventurous 5-11 year olds. The children participate in a wide range of fun farm activities 9am - 5pm, Mon-Fri in the school holidays.

It is an outdoor holiday club based on a real working farm so the children get to experience first hand life on the farm and have lots of fun!

FIND OUT MORE

Dance Around the World - Summer Dance Camp 1-5 August 9am-5pm £125 Best of the West End - Summer Dance Camp 8-12 August 9am-5pm £125

Multi-buy and sibling discounts available dancecity.co.uk / 0191 261 0505 14 July/August

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CLUBS & CLASSES

Step out of the day to day and onto a family adventure on an allinclusive holiday with PGL Let loose and get lost together on an action-packed adventure that turns the family back into a team. Whether you’re conquering the kayaks, hanging out on the high ropes or zooming down zipwires, there are plenty of goose-pimpling adventures to dive into whilst you’re here. You’ll be amazed by what you and your family will achieve.

when you book a family adventure holiday or kids adventure camp this Summer.

Visit pgl.co.uk/familymag for more details.

READ MORE

Don’t miss out on our final summer sale and the chance to give your family the break to remember. Save up to 50% off

Performing and developing key skills with PQA Whether it be diving into their dressing up box or stepping onto the stage, performing is important to children and young people, although its benefits can often go unnoticed. Performing arts can teach children and young people key skills that can be used in everyday life.

Creativity

Problem solving Solving problems creatively within the safety of a performing arts environment can help kids deal with issues in everyday life. If children feel comfortable exploring and dealing with problems in a non-linear way, this makes them more confident overall. READ MORE

Naturally imaginative, pretend play and make believe come easily to kids and can assist their social and emotional development, helping them form new ideas and develop resourcefulness.

Familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 15

CRAFTS

Have a crafty summer!

Help the kids with these bright and beautiful ocean and summerthemed craft projects this holiday season.

Paper plate aquarium

Ocean dioramas

Butterfly finger puppet

Recycled plastic jelly fish mobile

Fish soap carving

Cupcake liner crabs

Egg carton bumble bee

Sea turtle

Wooden spoon mermaid

16 July/August

Familiesonline.co.uk

SCREEN FREE

No-screen kids’ summer projects

Desperate for ideas to get your kids away from screens and exploring something in the real world? Check out our top recommendations.

Garage sales

Toy purge

A great way to declutter, reuse unwanted household items and make some money. Help the kids choose a date, decide what to sell, organise the items for easy browsing and label and price everything. You can then get them drawing posters to advertise the event. You can help by posting on social media.

TIPS

Disposing of old toys can be challenging but is worthwhile for children and parents alike. If your child is resistant to parting with old favourites, challenge them to play with them for an appropriate amount of time or donate them to charity. Involve your child in taking their toys to the local charity shop.

TIPS

Put on a show

Read a funny book

Challenge your kids to put on a mini-play or concert or re-enact a favourite book or movie scene.

You may have a budding standup comic, magician or storyteller in the family! An old sheet can be a backdrop or curtain; reading lamps can be spotlights.

Get them making tickets and setting up seating.

TIPS Familiesonline.co.uk

Sir Wayne and Dragon are back!

And on yet another adventure to get Dragon’s flame round the right way...Luckily Wayne knows JUST what to do! BUT, is doing everything in reverse ALL day long really a good idea? And when the friends start to dress as each other, swapping EVERYTHING round, what on earth might happen?! BUY HERE July/August 17

SCREEN FREE

No-screen kids’ summer projects

Desperate for ideas to get your kids away from screens and exploring something in the real world? Check out our top recommendations.

Water wars

Make a movie

When temperatures rise and tempers start to fray, encourage the kids to have an old-fashioned water fight. Use buckets, sponges, watering cans or fill up some balloons (purchase refillable water balloons). You could invest in fancy water pistols or a novelty sprinkler, water play mat or water slide.

TIPS

If you are prepared to lend your phone for filming, this is a great creative holiday project for older children. A short film is ideally three to five minutes long and it can be factual or story based.

Neighbourhood Scavenger Hunt

Family Mini-Olympic Games

Create a list of landmarks for the kids to find in your street or the local park eg a distinctive house or a large tree. Write clues that help them find these landmarks.

This gets the kids active and requires little equipment. They can make a torch and have an opening ceremony. Races can include a sack race with pillowcases, a tug of war with a dressing gown belt, discus with a frisbee, shot put using bean bags or tennis balls.

TIPS

Go along with them or clearly outline the area of the hunt so they don’t wander too far.

TIPS 18 July/August

Advise your child to keep it simple and start with a plan or better still a script.

TIPS

Familiesonline.co.uk

FOOD

Summer lunch and picnic ideas

Whip up these delicious dishes with the kids, courtesy of Neha @squashedpickle Click on the images to watch her helpful videos!

Egg & Pea Cheesy Waffles

Sweet Pea Pasta Muffins

This three-ingredient recipe couldn’t be any easier, making it perfect for little hands! You can switch up the vegetables or even use a frozen veg mix if you prefer. The waffles are a great alternative to the usual picnic food or lunch at home.

READ RECIPE

Zac loves pasta. I used to make these a lot when he was young.

They are light on mess, freezable and make a perfect on-thego snack. Kids can learn basic kitchen techniques while they experiment with different sauces and build their own muffins.

READ RECIPE

Pesto Cheese Twists

Pizza Croissants

These twists are super-easy to prepare and so delicious. If you are looking for a kitchen-based activity to do with the kids during the summer, this recipe is great for teaching basic cutting and pastry twists. And you’ll end up with a fabulous snack or lunch option at the end!

READ RECIPE

This is a fun way to use ready prepared croissant dough which is absolutely delicious. You can stuff the croissants with all your favourite pizza toppings.

If you have a child who is fussy with vegetables, try including them in the stuffing. We’ve used mushrooms in this example.

READ RECIPE

Familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 19

BACK TO SCHOOL

School bags for the new school year Children really love to choose a new school bag at the start of the school year. Here are some of our top suggestions.

Frugi Adventurers Backpack Good quality bag uses recycled and organic materials. £28

M&S Minecraft™ Water Repellent School Backpack

Large, light and great for Minecraft fans. Machine washable. £24

Novelty Rocket Backpack

Eye-catching but practical. Mesh pockets, adjustable straps. £30 20 July/August

LittleLife Big HiVis Dinosaur Kids ActionPak

Eastpak Padded Backpack

Liewood Allan Backpack

Nobodinoz Sunshine Kids Backpack

Babymel Zip and Zoe Colour and Wash Backpack

Adidas Class Backpack

Suits Reception-aged kids. High vis material. £19.99

Sturdy backpack for A4-sized books. Front pockets for smaller items. £47

Stylish, durable but comfortable with padded Made from organic shoulder and chest cotton with water straps. £47 repellent coating. £39.95

Colour your own with washable felt pens. £14

Great for sporty, older kids. Plenty of room for laptop/books. £21.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

BACK TO SCHOOL

Starting school VERY soon?

Want to get organised and prepare your child socially and emotionally?

Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day

Safer sleeping outside for little ones!

Cool backpacks for cool kids!

APPLY HERE for your FREE Snoozeshade

Fully lined, pockets, adjustable straps & handle.

Worth £29.99 each

5

available

Get your FREE Grass & Air backpack NOW* Perfect for little treasures

T&Cs apply

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*while stocks last T&Cs apply

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*while stocks last T&Cs apply

July/August 21

BACK TO SCHOOL

Top pencil case picks for September Next on the list for kids, after a new school bag, is a new pencil case.

Here are our favourites for the new season.

ZIPIT Talking Monstar Large

Fun pencil case which fits up to sixty pens or pencils. £8.50

Helix Pro Athletic

Large main compartment with wide opening zip, durable material. £4.52

Rachel Ellen Girls Rule the World Stylish and colourful, made from durable neoprene. £7.99

22 July/August

Maomaoyu Large Capacity

Dinosaur Colour & Learn

Smiggle Calculator Hard Top

Narwhal Plush

Durable and super-sized Fun and practical, comes pencil case with 3 zipped with wash-out fabric compartments. £8.69 pens. £12.95

Side panels with elastic pen and pencil holders. £15.50

Easthill Big Capacity Pencil Case

Makes a perfect ‘first pencil case’ for younger children. £3

Brown Paper Personalised

Roomy enough for pens, pencils, sharpeners Great for organisation. and rubbers. Can be Holds fifty pens/pencils personalised. £9.99 with a carry handle. £7.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

BACK TO SCHOOL

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July/August 23

TOYS

Diversify your toy box Would you like your child to have toys which reflect the world in which we live? If so, take a look at the recommendations from our friends at Sheni and Teni which offers diverse books, toys and games for kids.

Sheni & Teni card games

Very Puzzled map puzzles

Cica Toys Yorupad

Our Kids Trove

Celebrate the wonders of Feature landmarks/ Africa through four loved attractions highlighting card games. notable people of colour.

Philly n Friends doll

Five African Iconic Leaders & Queens handpainted 9cm peg dolls.

Muffin Sisters

Helping children discover language through play.

An eclectic collection of culturally diverse toys and educational resources.

African-inspired elephant plush toys that encourage tactile play.

Colour Celebrations height chart

Imagine Me Stories subscription box

Learning with Ez emotions flashcards

Track your little ones height as they grow.

24 July/August

Monthly subscription offering of diverse books and black history activities. Ages 0-12.

Ten double sided full colour emotion and feelings cards.

Familiesonline.co.uk