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IN THIS ISSUE
Education Easter Outdoor Activities Early Years
March/April 2021
Familiesonline.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk March/April 1
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2 March/April
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CONTENTS
Welcome Hello! Spring is here and I hope you have a spring in your step as we tentatively head out of our year-long hibernation. The return to school has been surprisingly emotional for many parents. After the rigours of remote learning and the provision of 57,932 meals and snacks per day, on top of all the usual work, I thought I’d be jumping for joy! But I certainly had a lump in my throat as I waved them back through the school gates. Because I would miss them, yes. But also because, as they were reunited with friends and teachers, I appreciated more than ever how very special and important school is. Anyway! These months bring with them the Easter Holidays, so we won’t be pining for long. I hope you find plenty of inspiration, ideas and fun for the holidays and more within these pages.
Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.
Get in touch In This Issue 4
Spring Activities
8
April Fool’s Day
10
Easter Activities
15
Outdoor Activities
17
Consumer Advice
Win a Smoby Playhouse! T&Cs apply
24 Early Years 25 Science Activities 28 Environment 32 Travel Competition Winners from the Nov/Dec issue Weronika Puchala, Luna Smith, Kelly McGleish, Simone Ayres, Taya Freeman, Katie Scott, Melanie Oley, Jenni Weston, Annelien Bass, Virginie Renaut, Lauren Powell, Margaret Challen, Maria Jornet Escuet, Philomena Price, Sophie Venables, Vicki Wright, Stephanie Chan, Chalice Palmores. Familiesonline.co.uk
ENTER HERE Magazine
Choose TeePee or Nature Playhouse March/April 3
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Spring “Make and Do” Outdoor Projects
Make a Bird Feeder
Search for Tadpoles
Make a Nature Journal
Make a Rain Gauge
Grow Butterflies
Make a Butterfly Feeder
Build a Den
Plant Tomatoes
Go Stargazing
4 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
i
my unlocked potential. I am Grovian.
Start their Grovian journey early. Small class sizes, outstanding facilities and incredible co-curricular opportunities, enable your child to achieve both academically and socially. All meals and wrap around care are included in our fees. Pupils can continue to our senior school, Woodhouse Grove, for a seamless education through to 18 years. Register for more information at woodhousegrove.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk
BRONTË HOUSE For ages 2 to 11 years March/April 5
EDUCATION
Support your Child’s Love and Learning of Music
Meet the Orchestra with the Royal Albert Hall Fun introduction to the world of percussion for young children.
Gentle Guitar
Online guitar school with lessons for children ages 5-12.
BBC Play the Noise
Explore the elements of a song. Play/clap along. Listen back to your own version. 6 March/April
Cbeebies Radio Prom Podcast
Enjoy an imaginary musical journey to the moon with this podcast.
On Stage at Home Nordoff Robbins & the Clangers
Young children have fun making music using household objects.
Virtual Musical Instruments
Chrome Music Lab
Naxos Music Box
Sing Up at Home
Fun, hands-on music Learn & create music. experiments. Make and Play instruments online learn your own songs. using PC keyboard/ mouse.
Interactive musical resource for ages 4-12. Activities, puzzles, quizzes.
Keep kids learning & singing. Free online resources and A-Z playlist. Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS
HAVE BIG FUTURES.
Join us for an Experience Day or a tour • An accredited High Performance Learning School for girls 4 – 18, enabling outstanding academic achievement for all. • Nurturing environment, exceptional pastoral care and extensive enrichment programme. • Strong role model programme providing inspiration and focus. • Wakefield Girls’ are confident, capable and ready for life. Familiesonline.co.uk
A warm Wakefield Girls’ welcome awaits. wakefieldgirls.org.uk E wsoffice@wgsf.net T 01924 372490 #WakefieldGirlsHigh @WGHSYorkshire March/April 7
APRIL FOOL’S DAY
April Fool’s Day Prank Ideas In the Bathroom….
Bath Blues. Paint a bar of soap with a thin layer of nail varnish so it won’t lather. Shampoo Shock. Put some cling film between the bottle and lid of a shampoo/shower gel bottle. How long will it take your family to realise nothing is coming out? Wrap Attack. Place some bubble wrap under a rug or bathmat. Wait for the shriek! Toilet Bowl Alert. Remove the lid of the toilet cistern and pour in 10-20 drops of food colouring! Tooth Trouble. Pop a raisin inside the neck of a tube toothpaste and cover with toothpaste to conceal.
Around the House….
Spiders on the Loose. Cut out spider shapes using black paper and place inside a lampshade. Television Terror! Place a very small piece of black tape over the sensor/light on the end of the TV remote. Shoe Trouble. Stuff the end of a pair of shoes with toilet roll so your family member can’t fit their feet in. Loopy Laces. Tie a family member’s shoe laces together so they’ll get nowhere fast…. Balloon Door Explosion. Tape balloons to the back of the front door before the family comes in.
In the Kitchen….
Brick of Breakfast. The night before, fill a bowl with cereal and milk, half-submerge a spoon and then put it in the freezer. Add a touch of fresh milk before serving it. Cereal Confusion. Swap the contents of boxes of cereal, and watch the look of confusion as its poured out! Pudding Prank. Make an ‘ice cream sundae’ out of mashed potato... yum! Juice Joke. Put jelly in your child’s glass instead of juice. Browned Off. Announce you have just baked some “brownies” and present a plate of letter Es cut from brown paper.
8 March/April
Fun climbing experience for all the family * Regular Climbs 4 to adult * Tots Sessions 2½ to 6 years * Kids Parties. Café & Slush machine * Guides / Scouts / Groups / School trips * Corporate / Team building / Wellbeing
Book online www.clipnclimbilkley.co.uk 01943 603829 info@clipnclimbilkley,co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk
Fulneck Junior School 3-11 YEARS
"Fulneckhas has "Fulneck beenaalife life been changing changing experiencefor for experience my child" child" my
Hallways full of
laughter, kindness & achievement
-Year -Year55Parent Parent
Come and experience it for yourself at our virtual open morning. Reception - 21st April 2021, 10.00am-11.00am To book email LAU@fulneckschool.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk
Fulneck School, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 8DS
March/April 9 www.fulneckschool.co.uk
EASTER
Best Easter Craft Projects for Families
Paper Easter Wreath
Salt Dough Easter Eggs
Tin Foil Easter Egg Art
Easter Bonnet
Bunny Bunting
Sock Bunny
Bunny Corner Bookmark
Dye Easter Eggs
Bean Bag Easter Chick
10 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
EASTER
Set Up an Easter Egg Hunt
Use our clues to set up an Easter Egg Hunt in your house.
Laundry and Kitchen
With this clue, you’ll have to follow your nose, where does mummy put all your stinky clothes? (Laundry basket) In this place it’s very cold, “Close the door properly!!” you’re always being told. (Freezer)
Bedroom
In here, daddy puts his toes, take a big breathe though and cover your nose! (Shoes/slippers) Where do you go when it’s time for sleep? Take a look here, there’s some treats to keep. (Bed)
Find me in the kitchen, I’m a big cold white appliance. (Fridge)
You put this on when you’re cold, ‘Fasten it up properly” you’re always being told. (Coat)
I have a sound that goes beep, and my main function is to heat. (Microwave)
In this place you’ll find hundreds of pages, reading them all would take you ages! (Book shelves)
I take your clothes for quite a spin, but first, they get wet. That’s how I begin. (Washing machine)
Find me when you need to know how to spell a word. (Dictionary – Book shelves)
Other Rooms
In this place, it’s very wet, it’s where you and the duckies very first met. (Bath) I rain on you when you need a scrub, I’m very much like my friend the tub. (Shower) In this place we’re supposed to wipe our feet, open the door to see who to greet. (Front door) This is where you eat your dinner, find the hidden clue and you’re the winner! (Dining table) I have hands but no arms, just a face and my hands move at a steady pace. (Clock) I have four legs, but I don’t have feet, I come in handy when it’s time to eat. (Chair)
Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 11
EASTER
The Great Families Easter Bake Off
Easter Egg Cookies
Easter Bunny Pancakes
Chocolate Krispie Chick
Hot Cross Scones
Easter Egg Bark
Easy Easter Nests
Hot Cross Bun Doughnuts
Baa-lamb Muffins
Easter Egg Biscuits
12 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
EASTER
Make an
Chick
With Easter just around the corner, it’s time for some crafty creating with your children to celebrate. This simple craft from Kidzplay Playbox takes just minutes to set up and creates a colourful Easter chick. You will need: * Eyes, beak, legs and feet pictured here * Scissors * Glue * Yellow Tissue Squares * Feathers * Paper Plate
Step-by-step guide: Step 1 Cover the paper plate in glue.
Step 5 Fold the beak in half and stick to the plate and then add the eyes.
Step 2 Stick the tissue squares onto the plate.
Step 3 Fold the legs along the dotted lines to make them bendy.
Step 6 Finally stick the feathers onto the plate to make the wings.
Step 4 Attach the feet to the legs and then stick the feet on the plate.
Step 7 Leave to dry before displaying.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD
Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 13
ACTIVITIES
Climbing the Walls – In a Good Way! Clip n Climb Ilkley is one of the many businesses in our area excited to opening its doors again.
All being well, climbing will available again from April 12, with café visits and parties to follow. Centre Manager Sally Shelton said, “Clip n Climb Ilkley is an independently owned business, we are not a franchise, we are not a chain. I run it as a mum - I always try to think what I would want for my kids. She added, “I am so happy to be opening again. To see the kids’ faces, having a treat after endless walks and home schooling will be so uplifting!” BOOK ONLINE HERE or call the centre on 01943 603829.
The Perfect Way to Get Away…
WIN a Timber Tots Magic Tree!
For a great family friendly holiday option, consider Away Resorts. They offer a choice of seven fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast, for a holiday that puts you first, with accommodation that’s off-thescale amazing and the parks are jam-packed with fantastic facilities.
Enter an enchanting adventure with your pre-schooler’s imagination. Little ones and parents alike will love exploring the nostalgic Timber Tots Magic Tree (based on the original from 1975). Suitable for 18mths+. To win a Magic Tree, (RRP £39.99), email us with the words TIMBER TOTS in the title by April 30.
MORE INFO AND TO BOOK
editor@familiesleeds.co.uk
14 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Making Family Walks More Fun By Claire Winter Three ideas to liven up family walking in your local area. Scavenger Hunt Make a list of specific things you might see locally eg red bicycle, car park, couple holding hands. Split into teams and walk around in your group, photographing the items when you find them. Whoever finds all the items first, wins.
Introduce Incentives!
Give each child a matchbox to fill with tiny treasures; Volunteer Let them map read; Create a nature journal for them Show the kids the importance of to fill with bark rubbings, photos, kindness. Volunteer to clean up litter drawings and notes; in your community or walk dogs at a Bring hot chocolate; local animal shelter. Try geocaching. Advertisement
Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 15
OUT AND ABOUT
FREE Days Out in Yorkshire!
We have compiled a list of places that you can visit for FREE with the family once lockdown restrictions are lifted and you can travel out of area and enjoy the wonderful fresh air and the outdoors this springtime. Please be aware that some of these places might need to be booked, have specific opening times, and some have car-parking fees. Check online before setting off.
KNARESBOROUGH, HARROGATE & RIPON
LEEDS & BRADFORD Temple Newsam, Leeds Leeds Urban Bike Park Roundhay Park, Leeds Golden Acre Park, Leeds Lister Park, Bradford Otley Chevin Fewston Reservoir, Otley Cow and Calf Rocks, Ilkey Bronte Waterfall, Howarth
Brimham Rocks, Harrogate Spofforth Castle Walk the Riverbank, Knaresborough Harrogate Valley Gardens Druids Temple, Ilton, Ripon Hackfall Woods, near Ripon Aysgarth Falls, Leyburn Scar House Reservoir, near Palely Bridge Skipton Castle Woods
WAKEFIELD, HALIFAX AND HUDDERSFIELD Pugneys Country Park, Wakefield Castle Hill, Huddersfield Ogden Water Nature Reserve, Halifax Shibden Park, Halifax
SOUTH YORKSHIRE
Walk the City Walls, York
THE EAST COAST Whitby Harbour 199 Steps & St Mary’s Church, Whitby Fossil Hunting in Whitby, Staithes or Robin Hood’s Bay Peasholm Park, Scarborough
16 March/April
YORK & SURROUNDS
Rivelin Valley Nature Trail near Sheffield Endcliffe Park, Sheffield Ecclesall Woods, Sheffield
Walk the Riverbank, York Wharram Percy Deserted Medieval Village Dalby Forest, Malton
Familiesonline.co.uk
ADVICE
What are Your Rights as a Consumer? by Gurpreet Birdi, Associate Director of Emsley’s Solicitors The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is very useful to have in mind when it comes to buying goods and services. If you have ever wondered about your rights and remedies when making a new purchase, then your first step should be to take a look at the features of this useful piece of legislation! Most of us are familiar with the commonly heard phrases “satisfactory quality” and “fit for purpose” – in fact, you may have used them when returning an item in a store. These phrases could be found in the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and are replicated in the Consumer Rights Act too, which means that the goods you buy must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and conform to any description provided by the seller. Unless you are informed of any specific differences, this right applies. So what are your main remedies when things go wrong?
to engage in the spirit of repair/ replace then the seller needs to be proactive and efficient. This should not become a long drawn out saga or a ‘to me, to you’ routine and nor should you be put to any significant inconvenience as a consumer. Once 30 days have passed, what then? If the goods are still defective, as a consumer you can insist that they be repaired or replaced. If this is not possible (for whatever reason) then you may exercise your ‘final right to reject’. There are other considerations which can come into play, for instance, pre-contractual information and we would always suggest that you seek advice for bigger purchases if you are unsure about your rights.
The best way to summarise the position is to remember that within 30 days of delivery of the defective goods, you can exercise your ‘short term right to reject’ and claim a full refund or expect them to be replaced To speak to a member of Emsleys or repaired. Giving the seller one opportunity only to repair or replace Solicitors Dispute Resolution team, the item(s) is sufficient. If you decide call 0113 232 1030. Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 17
EDUCATION
Hot New Kids’ Books for 2021 All books can be purchased via Bookshop.org, an online bookshop which financially supports local, independent bookshops and of which Families Magazine is an affiliate.
Pip and Posy: The Friendly Snail
The Whale Who Wanted More
The Cat’s Cook Book
By Axel Scheffler. Ages 0-2.
By Rachel Bright & Jim Field. Ages 1-5.
By Julia Donaldson. Ages 2+.
Hom
The Woolly Bear Caterpillar
Nature Trail
By Jeanne Willis & Paddy Donnelly. Ages 3+.
Draw with Rob: Build a Story By Rob Biddulph. Ages 3+.
18 March/April
By Julia Donaldson & Yuval Zommer. Ages 3-5.
The Invisible
By Tom Percival. Ages 3+.
By Benjamin Zephaniah & Nila Aye. Ages 3-5.
What Did the Tree See? By Charlotte Guillain & Sam Usher. Ages 4-6.
Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Hot New Kids’ Books for 2021 All books can be purchased via Bookshop.org, an online bookshop which financially supports local, independent bookshops and of which Families Magazine is an affiliate.
RuPaul
By Maria Isabel Sanches Vegara. Ages 4-7.
Wolfboy
By Andy Harkness. Ages 4-8.
Move Like a Lion
Rainbow Grey
A Tangle of Spells
Space Detectives
Best Bites Cookbook
Dragon World
By Laura Ellen Anderson. Ages 7-10.
By Omari McQueen. Ages 8-11. Familiesonline.co.uk
By Michelle Harrison. Ages 8+.
By Radzi Chinyanganya. Ages 5-7.
By Mark Powers and Dapo Adeola. Ages 7+.
How to Grow Up By Tamara Macfarlane. and Feel Amazing! Ages 8-12.
By Dr Ranj Singh. Ages 10-13.
March/April 19
EDUCATION
Free Maths Downloadables Use these high quality maths resources from PlanBee to help support your child’s learning.
Converting Measures Chart
What is the Question?
Fractions of Numbers Posters
This handy chart helps to convert a variety of different measures.
Work backwards from the answer to find the question.
Watermelon-themed posters that explain the concept of fractions.
Position Puzzles
Interpret positional language to put the shapes in the correct place.
Multiple Mazes
Identify the multiples of the 2/5/10 times table. 3 levels of difficulty.
Place Value Game
24-Hour Time Display
Times Table Booklet
Compare the Money Cards
Help your child tell the time on 12 and 24-hour clocks. 20 March/April
All the times tables in one handy booklet!
What numbers go in the place value columns to win the point?
Recognise coins. Use for playing Snap or Matching Pairs. Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Autism and Education One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Is Online Tutoring Effective?
By Jane Constantine
By Lucy Spencer
Today I cried with happiness at an email. It contained a glowing report of my 11 year old autistic daughter’s progress at school in recent days. We’re in lockdown and it’s her first year at a specialist secondary school. I’m so proud of how far she has come. READ MORE
If you’ve had time to breathe between home schooling, work and parenting, you may have wondered about the effectiveness of online tutoring. Like any online experience, the answer depends on many factors, particularly the facilitator, the goal and the environment. READ MORE
Why is My Child Teaching Another Child? By Annabel Gray
Just before the pandemic struck, I was in a café when I accidentally overheard a conversation between two mums. One was expressing her outrage that, at school, her child had been teaching another child to read. Let me share with you a secret about this. READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 21
HEALTH
FREE ‘End Emotional Explosions’ Online Course
Lucy Russell, mother and clinical psychologist at Everlief, a large child psychology clinic, has seen mental health issues in children accelerating in the last 12 months. EXCLUSIV In response to demand, Everlief has launched a parent E support site, They Are The Future offering free and paid online courses, masterclasses and blog. These include Calm OFFER & Connected, aimed at parents with pre-teens affected by stress, anger or anxiety. Everlief is offering Families readers a FREE 5 day mini-course in which Lucy teaches the Cup Approach, a powerful tool for preventing emotional explosions. You will learn the science behind emotional explosions, two distinct ways to prevent them and what is meant by filling your child’s “cup.”
Access the mini course HERE.
Boost Your Child’s Mood By Caroline Roope
With everything the last year has flung at us, it’s understandable that we’re feeling somewhat deflated. Children in particular can be prone to mood swings because they have not yet developed the emotional language to express their feelings. Try these activities to help banish your child’s blues. READ MORE 22 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
HEALTH
Signs of Child Criminal Exploitation Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership highlights some things to be aware of… The teenage years are a time of great change for young people. As they develop their own identity they move closer to their peers and naturally become more independent. It is also at this time that they are more likely to be impulsive and take risks. This behaviour is perfectly normal, however organised crime groups and sometimes individuals, can use this time to their advantage and see the teenager as someone who can be easily manipulated or intimidated into doing illegal activities. This can lead to child criminal exploitation.
• Do they seem to have money which they can’t explain where it has come from? Have you seen them using a new phone or wearing new or designer clothes or jewellery?
Parents and carers are often the • Are they receiving calls and first to notice the early signs that messages more frequently and at their child is at risk of or is being all hours of the day? Do they react exploited. You might notice that your immediately when they receive child is behaving differently, over and the message? above what you would expect from • Do they go out or come home at typical teenage behaviour. unusual or very regular times? Here are some of the signs to be aware of: There may be many reasons for a change in your child’s behaviour and • A sudden change in attitude. it might not be anything to worry Have they become secretive and about. However, if you notice a disrespectful to members of the combination of the above signs and family, teachers, or others they you are concerned, it might be time usually get on with? to seek help or advice. • Are they showing signs of For further information and support harm or depression? Are there see www.leedsscp.org.uk/cce unexplained absences from school? Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 23
EARLY YEARS
Easy Games and Activities for Toddlers
Running out of ideas for keeping the little ones busy? Here’s some you may not have tried.
Hair Cutting Station
Shaving Cream Paper
Spring Play Dough Garden
Pompom Drop
Posting box
Rainbow Rice
Tugging Box
Book Drop
Car Wash Tunnel
24 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
SCIENCE ACTIVITIES
Fun Science Projects at Home Your kids will love these cool experiments and activities. Adult supervision may be required!
Make a Balloon Powered Car
Create Crystal Snowflakes
Build an Electromagnet
Make a Sensory Bottle
Create Giant Bubbles
Plant an Ice Garden
Make Magic Milk
Create a Cloud
Make Butter
Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 25
EARLY YEARS
Like Mary Poppins – Turn Jobs into Games….
Games and play ideas from The Good Play Guide that help children learn life skills in a fun and engaging way.
Tidy Up Game
Laundry Game
Bedroom Tidy
Ages 2+. Children tidy away their things by the end of a song.
Ages 2-3. Get children folding, sorting and matching the laundry.
Ages 3+. Makes another fun game out of tidying up.
Drying Up Game
Odd Socks Game
Changing Rooms
Ages 3+. Children dry up, playing ‘pick up sticks’ game with cutlery.
Ages 3+. Fun way to develop colour, shape & pattern recognition.
Ages 4+. Children learn to dress/undress and how buttons and zips work.
Running a Café
I Packed My Suitcase
Cooking
Ages 4+. Develops role play, social play, food/nutrition, money/ counting. 26 March/April
Ages 4+. Develops memory and concentration.
Ages 5+. Cooking and baking teaches children invaluable life skills. Familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
When Do Babies Start Walking? By Andrew Campbell A baby’s first steps are an exciting development that every parent eagerly anticipates, marking the transition to toddlerhood. Babies begin walking at their own pace and each is different. Walking can occur from as young as 9 months but most babies take their first steps between 12 and 18 months. A range of factors can affect when a baby begins to walk. A ‘risk taker’ So what does each of these stages will want to get up and going involve? quickly, whilst a more cautious child may not want to walk until they can READ MORE do it well. Larger babies may walk later because they have to be stronger before they can carry their own weight. Ear infections can disrupt balance and delay the walking process too. A younger child may copy an older sibling and learn walking faster. There are key milestones you should expect to see on your baby’s journey to walking, as follows:
looking for expert legal advice? we can help • • • • • • •
Conveyancing and property Employment law Family matters Personal injury Resolving disputes Wills, trusts and probate Notarial services
99%
OF CLIENTS*
would use us again and recommend us
Call us on 0113 264 4414 *Based on Emsleys’ client satisfaction survey results: January 2018 - June 2020
Kicking, Wriggling and Rolling Grasping and Grabbing Supporting Head on Hands/Arms Sitting, Crawling and Bottom Shuffling Standing and Cruising Familiesonline.co.uk
www.emsleys.co.uk March/April 27
ENVIRONMENT
Let’s Go Plastic Free! Start reducing your plastic consumption now. How many of these products do you use? How many can you try soon? Swap products or introduce new habits—one at a time.
A Simple Bar of Soap!
Compostable Coffee Pods
Buy Loose Fruit and Veg
Bin the plastic plunger container. Buy bars bar! We love these.
Swap to these Nespresso compatible compostable pods.
Bring your own cotton or cloth bag to weigh and carry it home.
Shampoo/ Conditioner Bar
Reusable Sanitary Pads
Re-Fill your Detergent Bottles
Plastic Free Toilet Paper
Shaving Soap
Widely available. Try Planet Organic or The Body Shop.
Loose Washing/ Dishwashing Powder
Sainsbury’s sells its own brand of powder. 28 March/April
Re-fill or make your Wash at home, save money or use reusable own with white vinegar & essential oils. mooncup.
100% plastic free. Free shipping (most orders).
100% natural. Hand made by disadvantaged women in Kerala. Familiesonline.co.uk
ENVIRONMENT
Let’s Go Plastic Free! Start small. Choose one new behaviour you’d like to take on board and only move to the next once it is established as a habit.
Plastic Free Tooth Brushing
Plastic Free Bathroom
Buy Loose and in Bulk
Think bamboo toothbrushes and toothpaste in tablets or a glass jar.
Cotton buds, dental floss, make up remover pads and more!
Buy larger quantities. Store in glass jars. Refill from zero waste shop.
Start your Own Food Group
Buy Oil in Larger Quantities
Plastic Free Meat or Fish
Buy products in bulk, save money, reduce your carbon footprint.
Think 5 litres. Pour in glass bottles at home.
Get your local butchers/fishmongers to wrap goods in paper.
Deodorant
Pasta in a Cardboard Box
Use Real Nappies
Widely available. Try Boots, Holland & Barrett. Familiesonline.co.uk
An easy switch that will further reduce your plastic footprint.
Wash and re-use nappies or use a laundry service.
March/April 29
FAMILY LIFE
Parenting Books that Don’t Shame! Dr Sarah Mundy from Parenting through Stories selects accessible, evidence-based books that she’s appreciated as both a mum and a psychologist.
What To Expect Series
No Drama Discipline
A helpful resource covering pre-pregnancy to the toddler years.
Interprets neuroscience theory into practical parenting, with clear examples.
How to develop a secure attachment relationship with your child.
What Every Parent Needs to Know
The Danish Way of Parenting
Parenting Handbook
Calm Parents, Happy Kids
The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read
Pulls together up-to-date Advice on raising kids research into practical from the world’s happiest and accessible advice. people!
Why parents need to manage their feelings, and children need connection and empathy. 30 March/April
Relate how you were parented, to how you parent.
The Power of Showing Up
Make sense of every day challenges together with your child.
The Gentle Parenting Book
Helping parents become confident and calm. Putting gentle parenting into practice. Familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
What is Family Mediation?
Talk, Read, Play: Crucial Skills for Parents
By Louisa Dickson
By Cristina Odone
“I’m getting divorced and need a solicitor.” Only Mums & Dads, a not-for-profit social enterprise that supports people through divorce, hears this statement daily. Their advice is always to try mediation first (where there is no domestic abuse) and if it breaks down, to try again. But why? READ MORE
Lockdown has kept us at home with our children 24/7. Under these circumstances, we’d be forgiven for switching to autopilot, managing through the day without paying any special attention to our children: we’re always with them, so no special effort is needed, right? WRONG! READ MORE
Get Your Kids Recycling!
Families are Different! #ItsAllNormal
By Andrew Campbell
Everyone is responsible for creating waste, whether it’s leftovers on the dinner plate or the finished loo roll. And so everyone is responsible for sustainable waste disposal. Here’s some great ideas for teaching children about recycling and encouraging them to get more involved. READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk
Tay and Chan Kabs, parents of the social media superstars The Kabs Family, spoke to Families about their new campaign with Haliborange - #ItsAllNormal. The campaign celebrates that we are all parenting in our own way, and it’s all normal. See #ItsAllNormal family stories on Instagram. READ INTERVIEW March/April 31
TRAVEL
UK Holiday Inspiration Families top ideas for places to enjoy a brilliant staycation in the UK this year! Please adhere to Covid-19 government guidelines when travelling.
Bodmin Jail Hotel in Cornwall
Rocks at Plas Curi in North Wales
Bovey Castle & Spa Hotel in Devon
4-star boutique hotel within the walls of the 18th century prison.
5* hostel near Snowdon + Zipworld. Family friendly luxury.
5*, child-friendly, relaxed, dogs welcome. Plenty of activities.
Crewe Hall in Cheshire
Eco Glamping in Wales
Eilean Shona in Scotland
Luxury stay, famed afternoon tea, family attractions nearby.
185 acres for walking, hiking and wild swimming.
Cottages on magical private island off Scotland’s west coast.
Winchcombe Farm in Warwickshire
Scilly Isles
The Little Retreat in Pembrokeshire
Five unique tree houses at this gorgeous glamping retreat. 32 March/April
Sand-fringed islands, warm waters, empty beaches. 28m from Cornish coast.
Luxury glamping in castle grounds in coastal National Park. Familiesonline.co.uk
PROMOTIONS
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Magazine March/April 33
