Families Kent Nov/Dec DIGITAL issue

Welcome

We have everything you’ll need for a perfect family Christmas in this issue, including the best Advent Calendars on offer, gifts for teachers for under £10, hacks to make everything go smoothly, green ideas and a green gift guide, DIY decorations for the kids to make and lots more.

Meanwhile, life ticks on. If your child starts school in September 2023, it’s time to choose schools to put on your application and we have tips and advice for you.

Finally, in this issue, we have Christmas gifts and tonnes of Weebles to giveaway! Apply for these adorable wiggly, wobbly mini-toys at familiesmag. co.uk/go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

issue

Saving energy downloadable Education

years Parties

gifts

events

calendars

in touch

Competition winners from our July/August issue

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE

Start your wiggly, wobbly Weeble collection!

Don’t be an energy VAMPIRE!

Get your kids involved in saving energy this winter with this special downloadable kit from PlanBee. It will save you money and help the planet!

DON’T BE AN ENERGY VAMPIRE!

Switch o the following electrical devices at the socket when you have finished using them:

Lamp TelevisionComputer Games console Phone charger

Some appliances should not be turned o . DON’T TURN OFF your fridge, freezer or boiler, for example. If you are unsure, ask an adult. www.planbee.com

ENERGY SAVING IDEAS

DON’T WASTE ENERGY!

Turn o the light when there is no one in the room.

BE ENERGY AWARE!

Turn o the light when there is no one in the room.

BE ENERGY AWARE!

Turn o the light when there is no one in the room.

Put these mini posters above any light switches in your classroom or home www.planbee.com

Turn o the lights when you are not in the room and switch o unused devices at the socket.

DON’T WASTE ENERGY!

Turn o the light when there is no one in the room.

Take a short shower instead of a bath - you’ll save water as well as the energy needed to heat it.

Don’t leave the water running when you are brushing your teeth or washing your hands.

Make a ‘no-cook’ meal once a week - create a dish that uses no energy to produce.

Instead of immediately putting the heating on, try wearing a jumper and thick socks first.

Have a ‘no energy’ family night - read together, tell stories, play board games etc.

www.planbee.com

DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS

Reasons to teach black British history

By Ilhan Rayen Awed

Black British history is British history and so the teaching of it in schools across the UK is imperative. Why? Only when this is the case can every student understand and acknowledge the contributions that Black Britons have made to this country.

READ MORE

Understanding subtle forms of bullying

The parents’ guide to primary school

By Gabrielle Nash

Is your mental image of a bully someone who pushes your child over in the playground or steals their lunch? Or maybe you picture your child being pursued by bullies on their device? But what about more subtle types of bullying? How do you recognise these? And are they actually bullying?

Has your child just started school? Are you discovering all sorts of unfamiliar school practices and processes as well as strange new terminology and acronyms to understand and get used to? If so, our guide will help you get to grips with these.

READ MORE

contact

Best board games for learning

It’s a great time to snuggle up inside with a board game. If you’re thinking of adding to your collection, here are some options that particularly enhance children’s learning.

Feed the Woozle Fosters self-regulation in a fun & silly way. Ages 3-6. £19.99

Life on Earth memory and matching game Great for encouraging focussed attention.

Ages 3+. £17.99

Spot it Junior!

Children learn to suppress their first impulse. Ages 4. £14.39

Zingo Bingo

Develops language skills & self-regulation. Ages 4+. £17

Melissa and Doug Suspend Junior

Encourages planning, decision making & fine motor skills.

Ages 4+. £21.99

Sequence for Kids

Involves taking turns, planning & prioritising. Enhances short term memory. Ages 4-7. £30.25

Carcassone

Develops planning, working memory, taking turns & prioritising. Ages 7+. £36.99.

Kingdomino Develops spatial awareness, decision making, executive functioning & gameplay. Ages 8+. £22.35

Rat-a-tat Cat

Practises maths, memory skills, risk-taking, taking turns, counting & critical thinking. Age 6+. £12.49

Choosing the right primary school

By Gabrielle Nash

If your child turns four this academic year, they’ll be starting Reception next September and now’s the time to make their primary school applications. Exciting times!

Your child’s primary school and its community becomes a large part of your family’s life, so feeling happy about the choice is very important. Depending on where you live you might have just one, two or maybe three schools to apply to. Or there may be numerous schools if you live in a city. So how do you go about knowing which will be a good fit for you and your child?

The catchment area

School catchment area is a key admission criterion for schools. This is generally be based on the furthest distance that a pupil was admitted to the school the previous year but boundaries can be extended or shrink, according to the variables of each intake year. For example, one year there may be a larger cohort of siblings or looked-after children taking priority or it may be a year with a high birth rate, so the map alone does not guarantee your top choice.

You can check each school’s catchment area through your local authority to establish whether you’re likely to fall within it. Think carefully before aiming for a school for which

you’re not in the catchment area. You don’t want to waste one of your choices.

Practicalities are very important too. Is the location of the school convenient?

READ MORE

Exciting new setting in Tonbridge for Play ‘n Grow Childcare

Play ‘n Grow Childcare offer good quality care in a small setting at The Angel Centre in Tonbridge.

They offer childcare for children aged 0-11 years in either their nursery, crèche or holiday club in Tonbridge.

They believe that children are like flowers and that they need love, care and attention in order to learn to play and grow to the best of their ability.

Open for 50 weeks of the year from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with a holiday club running during Kent school holidays at Bishop Chavausse Primary School, Tonbridge. There will also be a couple of two-hour crèche spaces available on a daily basis.

To register your interest, EMAIL Sarah. More info HERE.

Play n’ Grow Childcare

50 weeks 8am to 6pm

Qualified & experienced staff

Exciting new setting opening at The Angel Centre, Tonbridge for children from birth to five years. Holiday clubs also available in The Angel Centre and Bishop Chavasse Primary School in Tonbridge. Register your interest today. Email Sarah at playngrowchildcare@gmail.com www.playngrowchildcare.co.uk

Ages

SPACES AVAILABLE

CrecheNursery,and Holiday

Celebrate your child’s birthday with a Rugbytots party!

A Rugbytots party is a fun-filled way to celebrate your child’s birthday or any other special event.

Distinctive and dynamic, their parties place the emphasis on play, with plenty of party games and group participation.

Parties are available for children ages 2 to 7 years. Invitations are provided and the party will be run by a Lead Coach and an Assistant. The party will last for 1 hour and you can provide your own entertainment to carry on afterwards if you wish. A size two leather Rugbytots rugby

ball is provided as a gift for the birthday boy or girl..

To find out more or to book a party call )3453 130807, EMAIL or click HERE.

Fun-packed parties at Clip ‘n Climb Tonbridge

For a fun-packed birthday party with a difference, Clip ‘n Climb Tonbridge has the answer!

With climbing for all abilities and lots of exciting challenges, Clip ‘n Climb provides the perfect environment for your child on their special day.

The standard party package is £23 and includes all equipment hire, climbing session, a designated party room, digital invitations, unlimited juice and party food.

A minimum of 10 is required at weekends. Party slots are available during the week and no minimum number is required.

A discounted price of £18 is available for party packages booked during term time on a Thursday.

For more information and to book call 01732 753330 or click HERE.

Tonbridge is home to the biggest Clip n Climb in the WORLD

your session now:

Gifts for teachers for under a tenner

Realised the kids break up soon and you haven’t chosen something for them to give as a gift? Here are some ideas that won’t break the budget.

The Body Shop

‘Create your Own’ gift pouch

Fill the pouch with a selection of Body Shop goodies. £3

‘Epic things to teach’ personalised notebook

Add photos and teacher’s name for personalisation. £4.99

Personalised ‘Thank you’ bracelet

Apple-shaped bracelet with personalised message. £1.99

Terrific Teacher glasses case

Stylish gift for a teacher who wears glasses. £2.99

Jamie Oliver’s DIY Christmas pudding gift jar Just buy the ingredients and the kids can make this themselves.

Milk chocolate trophy

Award your teacher with a chocolate trophy. £10.

One4all gift card

Can be used with 130+ brands in store and online. £10

Personalised resin coaster

Handmade resin teacher coaster with a name of your choice. £8.99

Personalised mug

Remind them they’re the best teacher on the planet! £9.99

Enjoy a wild adventure at Trinity Theatre this December

Go on a wild adventure with musketeers and aliens this Christmas at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells.

In their most ambitious Christmas season yet Trinity presents something for everyone this December. The New Musketeers, is a brand-new family comedy set in the world of the Three Musketeers… sort of. Full of silliness and laughter, The New Musketeers is a rip-roaring comedy adventure with brilliant music and terrible sword fighting. Ages 7+.

There is something for smaller theatregoers too. Zany, interactive and downright joyous, The Aliens Who Saved Christmas will have your little ones entranced as they (alongside their lovable, bonkers characters) help the elves in the North Pole build gifts in time for Christmas Eve. Ages 2+.

More info and book tickets HERE.

Glide, slide and skate on Bluewater’s ice rink

It’s set to be an extra-special festive season at Bluewater, as its much-loved outdoor, undercover Ice Rink returns for Christmas 2022.

The Ice Rink will sit under a clear roof, making it the perfect activity come rain, snow, or shine this festive season. It will open from Thursday 17 November until Sunday 1 January 2023.

Offering plenty of fun for guests of all ages, the Ice Rink will be running quiet sessions, as well as parent and toddler sessions for budding skaters.

Penguin and seal skating aids will be available for little ones and the ice rink’s party nights are back by popular demand - with live DJs playing classic party anthems to soundtrack your skating session.

Pre-booking is advised. More info HERE .

Festive family city breaks

Our friends at Tested by Tots have identified some of the best family friendly cities to explore with your little ones this Christmas.

Durham

A beautiful, picturesque city & a great Christmas Festival from 2-4 December.

Winchester Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is inspired by German Christmas markets further afield.

Norwich Home to the most anticipated Christmas attraction in the UK - The Tunnel of Light!

Nottingham Festive markets from retro style to a sparkling Winter Wonderland!

Exeter Ice rink, Winter Wonderland, carol concerts, pantomimes. Exeter truly embraces Christmas!

Kidderminster Santa Trains to Arley take families to see their favourite characters in pantomime.

Glasgow Festivals, pantos and children’s classic concerts such as The Night Before Christmas.

Cardiff Fantastic Christmas festival with incredible shows at Cardiff Castle.

Belfast Light shows, displays, markets and a Georgian experience. This city goes big!

Let’s go crackers!

Do you fling a box of whatever’s closest to hand at the supermarket in your trolley with the mental note to research other options next year? If so, this is for you!

Racing pigs in blankets crackers

Joke, snap, hat & pullback racing pig + racetrack. £19.99

Make Your Own crackers

DIY colour in cracker kit. £14.50

Nutcracker crackers

Joke, hat, snap & handpainted tree decoration. £19.99

Who or what am I game crackers Game cards, headbands & winners crown. £14.99

Giant popcorn cracker

Giant cracker & 6 salted caramel popcorn bags, hats and jokes. £16

Xylophone musical crackers Hat, snap, joke & xylophone piece. £30

Bowling crackers

6 bowling pins, a ball and bowling alley. £12.54

Recycled origami crackers

Everything needed to make an origami shape. £17

Bingo crackers

Family friendly bingo game, paper hat & joke. £29

Christmas treats to make with the kids

Christmas gingerbread people

Christmas pudding Malteser cake

Have some fun in the kitchen with a classic gingerbread recipe your kids will love to make. Decorate your people using dried fruits, nuts and coconut for a healthier treat that tastes fantastic. The kids will particularly enjoy making their little people truly personal.

Christmas cookie houses

Gingerbread houses are a Christmas tradition but these little cookie houses are so much easier to assemble and just as fun.

Use different biscuits and decorative items to give each cookie house a unique, fun look. The kids can even make a small Christmas town of their own.

This sneaky cake is a bit of a trickster! It looks like a Christmas pudding but is, in fact, a delicious chocolate cake covered in Maltesers. Kids will love tricking others with this cake and, of course, they will also love the taste of this chocolate extravaganza!

Eco Christmas gift guide

Spread a bit of festive joy by being good to your family and the planet. These gifts for kids and adults will make everyone’s day without costing the earth.

Nature Curious subscription boxes

Explore British wildlife with eco-packaged worksheets & nature prints. £20 per month.

Barekind bamboo socks

Bright and colourful stocking filler helps save the endangered animal on them! £7.50

Kabode Alphabet children’s bedding

Fun collection of 100% certified organic cotton bedding makes learning fun. £44.95

Play Kits subscription boxes

Sustainable & organic kits support pre-school brain development. From £80

Bake at Home gingerbread people kit Home-delivered. Delicious ready-made dough, cutter & recipe. £15

DIY lip tint or cheek balm kit

Design all-natural lip tints or cheek balms with gorgeous ingredients. Plastic-free. £19.99

Tartan wool blanket

Made from at least 70% recycled wool plus preloved, recycled fibres. £32

Halo water bottle

Insulated, compact, lightweight, handbag & pocket-friendly. Hydration on the move. From £22

Cashmere fingerless gloves

Super-cosy, one-size, made from discarded cashmere jumpers. £24

Get greener this Christmas

Christmas trees

Don’t use artificial trees – they aren’t recyclable and will end up in landfill.

Hire a Christmas tree from a garden centre or plant nursery. Buy a pot grown tree and plant it in the garden in January. Use it next year!

Recycle real trees. Check arrangements with your council.

Christmas dinner

Plan meals in advance, taking account of visitors, so you don’t buy more food than you need. Seal and freeze all the leftovers that you can.

Give unused food away to friends, family or neighbours.

Eat less meat and try vegan versions of Christmas classics.

Christmas gifts

Consider second hand or items eg bikes, tech.

Try giving experiences such as theatre tickets or days out

Buy reusable items like refillable water bottles and beeswax the most and many more

Top Advent Calendar Picks

We give you the lowdown on some of our favourites for this Christmas season.

RNLI Plasticine Advent Calendar

Instructions & plasticine to make a festive model behind each window. £20

City Vehicles Advent Calendar

Each door reveals a vehicle: police cars to double-decker buses. £25

Smiggle Advent Calendar

25 days of surprises! Includes mini notebook, highlighter & scented stationery. £20

Wooden Advent Calendar

A reusable traditional calendar with 24 magnetic ornaments. £9.99

The Crazy Scientist Advent Calendar

A unique advent calendar with 24 different experiments. £29.95

Magic Advent Calendar

Learn 24 new magic tricks in December & give a magic show! £19.99

Swizzels Sweet Factory Calendar

Enjoy 24 days of sweetie favourites. £5.

Usborne Advent Calendar Book Collection

Beautifully illustrated storybook behind each window. £19.99

Gourmet Popcorn Advent Calendar

24 daily packs of handmade gourmet popcorn with range of flavours. £30

Christmas hacks for parents

Keeping presents hidden

In the loft – assuming your child can’t access it or wouldn’t think to look there!

In the car boot – this is a winner if you can’t access it from the back seats.

Inside luggage – zip presents into a suitcase.

Another house – leaving with friends or family will thwart the most ardent snooper!

Laundry basket – kids are unlikely to go digging through dirty laundry so stash some wrapped presents at the bottom.

In the run up

Ignore the hype – don’t compare your family to every trend on social media.

Love your lists – getting things down on paper definitely helps you stay sane.

Delegate – don’t do everything. Ask for help and get everyone involved.

Drop high stress rituals –families thrive on traditions but choose the ones most important to you. Stick to routines - your child will find it reassuring.

Avoid back to back socialising and travel – try to arrange some visits after Christmas.

Choosing and caring for your Christmas tree

Measure the height of your room before you choose a tree.

Nordmann Fir is a great choice as it does not drop its glossy dark needles and has a good shape.

Place in a stand with a well of water in the base.

Check daily and top up the water when the level drops.

Choose a cool place, away from radiators and fires.

Don’t let your tree dry out.

On the day

Not all at once - spread out gift-opening to keep Christmas morning manageable. Turn present-giving into a game – everyone takes turns and must try to guess what it is before opening.

Avoid present chaos - wrap everyone’s Christmas gifts in different paper so you can recognise them.

Prioritise presence over presents – remember Christmas is really about time with your family.

Avoid overload – kids can get over stimulated so give them time to play quietly or rest.

Have yourself a crafty Christmas

More Christmas gift ideas

Hot Wheels Car Plate by Munchy Play

My Self-Esteem Journal & My Worry Journal

Rev-up mealtimes with the official Hot Wheels™ Car Plate. Race cars around the Hot Wheels™ track, pull stunts and dodge obstacles past the finish line. Designed by a mum, the colourful blue and orange plate makes a fun gift for kids (ages 3+), fussy eaters, and car fans. £16.50.

Girls Support Girls

Girls Support Girls is a small but mighty book bursting with kick-ass quotes, uplifting statements and awesome affirmations – a celebration of female strength and solidarity. There’s nothing more powerful than a strong woman –except for two strong women supporting each other! £6.99.

Two new activity journals inspired by the numberone best-selling children’s mental health title You’re a Star by Poppy O’Neill. Books contain cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help children aged 7+ grow in confidence. £7.99 each.

The Book for Badass Women

The Book for Badass Women is a sassy little book filled with empowering tips and quotes. What is a badass woman? Whatever the heck she wants to be!

Dive head first into advice on strengthening your selfconfidence, going after your goals and empowering other women. £9.99