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Manchester

Some of you love it and others find it overwhelming….we think you all know what we’re talking about! Yes, the festive season is just round the corner and it’s not too soon to start planning. Start with our gift guide in this issue. If you fancy a festive family city break before Christmas – which could also double as a gift-buying opportunity – then investigate some of the cities that put on the best show in the lead up to the big day.

As things get increasingly busy, it’s important that you don’t burn out before Christmas even arrives. Take a look at our tips for lightening your load in the run up.

Meanwhile, life ticks on. You may musing on your child’s future education and wondering if they should be aiming for university or trying to work through the day while your children keep you awake at night . If you are pre-occupied with any of these things, this issue offers something very relevant for you.

Finally, especially for you, we have Christmas gifts for kids and adults, as well as 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.

July/August competition winners

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

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.

Don’t let Covid and Flu ruin your winter

As we move into the winter months, we all need to keep in mind that Covid is very much still with us and along with Flu, well, it’s double trouble.

These two can cause disruption for us all, even with mild symptoms. In work, at home, or in the holidays with our families and friends.

Don’t let them ruin your plans with the little ones. Get your vaccinations and keep them out of your life. Getting vaccinated is the best way to get peace of mind and keep yourself and those around you healthy this winter.

Find out if you’re eligible for free Covid and Flu jabs now, search www.GetMyJabGM.co.uk

If

Christmas family fun at Eureka!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, as Santa Claus is heading to the ever-popular grotto to meet families.

Visitors to the museum can also experience their festive favourite show ‘A Place for Winter’, every weekend from 2 December until the end of January 2023 and daily throughout the December holidays! Join a cute hedgehog and sleepy dormouse as they find somewhere to keep safe and snuggly before winter sets in.

Visitors to the grotto will get to chat to Santa’s elves, before meeting the big man himself and each child will receive a present. The Eureka! Grotto is open every weekend from 26 November and daily from 16 to 23 December.

‘A Place for Winter’ is included in the price of admission, or free with your Eureka! Annual Pass. Grotto visits cost £5 per child and include a small gift.

Find out opening times and more at www.eureka.org.uk

Home from Home with Chilly Powder

Do you prefer winter or summer in the Alps… or both?

Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people.

Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, with unrivalled in-house childcare facilities.

For many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home. www.chillypowder.com

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com

Oldham

What's On

Events for the family

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

From Nov

Winter Village – Ramona & The Firehouse, Swan Street, Manchester

Log cabins, tipis, campfires, pizza and a margarita bar, pine trees, sparkling lights all nestled in the walled garden of Ramona & The Firehouse on the border of the Northern Quarter and Ancoats, Manchester. Enquire now at www.takemetoramona.com

From Nov Skate Manchester – Cathedral Gardens Manchester

Whatever the weather, enjoy the festivities and skate at the beautiful, covered ice rink at Cathedral Gardens. Book online. www.skatemanchester. seetickets.com

From 10 Nov Central Manchester - Christmas Markets

Manchester Christmas Markets are back! There will be all your favourites returning. The market run until just before Christmas.

12 Nov to 24 Dec

Winter Markets – Escape to Freight Island

A festive destination of food, drink, music and entertainment including a market, cinema, roller rink and family acitivities. Book online. www.escapetofreightisland.com

12 Nov to 7 Jan 2023

Robin Hood – Oldham Coliseum Join real-life Robin Hood on the arrow-shooting pantomime adventure of a lifetime! www.coliseum.org.uk/spektrix/ spektrix-events

18 Nov to 2 Jan 2023

Christmas Light Trail – Dunham Massey

Christmas at Dunham Massey is full of seasonal surprises and shimmering reflections that cast light on beautiful silhouettes of majestic trees, all choreographed to a soundtrack of festive favourites. The trail is designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist with tasty treats on offer. www.christmasatdunhammassey. seetickets.com

23 to 26 Nov

Dick Whittington – ZArts, Hulme South Manchester AOS bring all the magic and spectacle in this sparkling telling of Dick Whittington. Book online. www.z-arts.org

24 Nov to 2nd Jan 2023

Lightopia Festival – Heaton Park

The award winning Lightopia is back and ready to light up Heaton Park brighter than ever with brand new installations and routes. www.manchester. lightopiafestival.com

25 Nov to 31 Dec

Light Trail – Delamere Forest New route and light installations await festive visitors this Christmas with an impressive array of artistic lights confirmed. www.forestryengland.uk/ christmas-at-delamere

9 to 23 Dec

There’s a Rang-Tan In My Bedroom – HOME, Manchester Join in a magical mix of puppetry and music as you discover more about our animal friends and what we can do to help.

www.homemcr.org

14 Dec to 8 Jan 2023

Claus The Musical – The Lowry, Salford

How the boy became a man. How the man became a legend. www.thelowry.com

17 to 19 Dec

Nativity Trail - Valley Farm OWL CIC, Ashton-under-Lyne

Explore the Christmas Nativity story at the festive trail with activities along the way and a craft to complete and take home with you.

www.valleyfarmowl.co.uk/events

WHERE IS SANTA?

Farmer Christmas at Reddish Vale Farm – 4 to 24 December

This Christmas, Reddish Vale Farm invite you to enjoy their 90 minute long Christmas Experience.

Tickets for Christmas at Reddish Vale Farm must be pre-booked online and are priced at £15.50 for adults and £33.50 for children. Tickets are strictly limited – please do check the terms and conditions online before booking.

Christmas at Cockfields Farm, Oldham – Selected dates from Sat 26 Nov to Sat 24 Dec

This Christmas they are offering a fantastic festive experience for the whole family – including watching the Elf Academy show, a visit to Mrs Claus’ Kitchen to decorate a gingerbread man, building your very own reindeer bear to take home, exploring the Elf Village, reindeer dust making, meeting the reindeer and of course, a private family visit to the big man himself in his magical grotto where you’ll receive a special gold coin to spend on anything in Santa’s Toy Shop. If you’re lucky, it might even snow.

Mini Christmas at Cockfields Farm, Oldham – Weekdays only from Thu 1 to Fri 16 Dec

For a slightly more low key Cockfields Farm Christmas experience, you can book the Mini Christmas which takes place on week days during term time in the run up to the Christmas holidays. The Mini Christmas experience

includes opportunities to visit Santa’s reindeer in the stables, explore the Elf Village and hand feed the barn animals as well as visiting Santa in his magical grotto where each child will receive a gift. Tickets can be booked online. www.cockfieldsfarm.co.uk

Santa Specials on the East Lancs Railway – weekends from Sat 26 Nov then daily from Tue 20 to Sat 24 Dec

This year’s East Lancs Railway Santa Specials will help you to get into the festive spirit as you take an exciting steam train trip with a host of happy elves and of course, the man himself, Father Christmas. Tickets for the Santa Specials are available now and can be booked via the website.

Father Christmas at The Farm, Tatton Park – Sat 26 Nov to Tue 20 Dec

Families can see Father Christmas and his elf helpers in a festive grotto at the Farm at Tatton Park. Enjoy roaming entertainers, live music with festive choirs and brass bands and stop off for a tasty treat in the Christmas Cafe located in the Clydesdale Barn. Get a photo in Santa’s sleigh and make your own magical reindeer food in the Mill to take home and sprinkle around on Christmas Eve! Tickets must be pre-booked online.

Sneaky Experience: A Timeless Christmas at Lyme Park, Stockport – Selected dates from Sat 10 to Sat 24 Dec

Join Sneaky Experience on a Christmas adventure throughout Lyme Hall to help save Christmas: ‘A Timeless Christmas at Lyme’. You can meet Father Christmas, tell him your Christmas wish, take photographs and receive a gift. As an extra treat, all guests will be able to explore Lyme Hall as part of their visit. Tickets are available to book now. (It’s worth noting that as the experience takes place on the first floor of the hall, there are stairs to be navigated so the event is not fully accessible)

Christmas on the Farm! at Lancaster Park & Animal Farm –Sat 3 to Sat 24 Dec

The Christmas on the Farm! experience at Lancaster Park & Animal Farm offers a Christmas story with Mrs Claus in her cottage and the opportunity to meet Santa and receive a present as well as taking the time to write a letter to Father Christmas in his special log cabin. You can also enjoy feeding the animals, playing on the swings, slides and ziplines amongst other things. Pre-book.

Meet Father Christmas at Quarry Bank – weekends from Sat 3 to Sun 18, Wed 21 and Thu 22 Dec

The Father Christmas at Quarry Bank experience includes a special half-hour session of festive storytelling and crafts, and a private family visit to Father Christmas and a gift. Booking is essential for this experience.

Father Christmas at Quarry Bank, Wilmslow is just a small part of a whole range of festive activities available at this National Trust property.

Baby and toddler meet Father Christmas at Quarry Bank Mill –Fri 2, 9, 16 Dec

This year, Quarry Bank Mill host a special Christmas baby and toddler “activity and play session” which includes a private family visit to Father Christmas and a gift for your little one. This event is suitable for children aged 6 months – 5 years. Tickets for the baby & toddler Father Christmas at Quarry Bank Mill are available to book now priced at £12 per child with up to two adults per family.

Cruise with Father Christmas on Manchester River Cruises, Salford – selected dates from Sun 27 Nov to Wed 21 Dec

This Christmas Santa is giving up his sleigh for the Princess Katherine! You can take a Santa Cruise on the Manchester Ship Canal this festive period. Departing from Salford Quays, this hour long trip with Father Christmas and his elves offers mulled wine and mince pies for the adults, a cookie and juice drink for the children and, most importantly, the chance to meet Santa Claus and receive a gift from his grotto.

Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe, Manchester –Weekends from Sat 10 to Sat 24 Dec

Pop down to Hard Rock Cafe Manchester for a buffet-style breakfast and, festive fun and games with the team. While Santa’s reindeer are busy in Lapland getting ready for their trip around the world, Santa will be paying Hard Rock Cafe Manchester a visit, so make sure you’re on your best behaviour

Tickets for Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester are available to book now

Christmas with Paddington Bear Grotto at Trafford Centre – On now

It will be an all new magical journey featuring Paddington Bear and Santa this year at the Trafford Centre. You can meet Paddington, get to see Santa in his grotto and get a Paddington themed gift to take home.

Make Christmas banana penguin pops

Here’s a really fun Christmas activity to do with your little ones! These penguin pops not only taste delicious, they are also super simple to create. With just a hand full of ingredients, these banana penguins will impress and entertain the kids!

You will need:

1 banana

2 lolly sticks

75g milk chocolate

4 candy eyes

3 orange Smarties (cut in half)

Baking paper

1

andCutout keep"

Step 1

Start by melting your chocolate in the microwave for around 2 mins. Stirring occasionally.

5

2

Step 5

Cut the Smarties in half.

Step 2

Peel your banana and cut in half.

Step 3

Slide the lolly stick into the flat part of the banana.

Step 4

Take your warm melted chocolate and dip your bananas in it, coating the back fully. Coat the top of the banana to a third of the way down and upwards from the tip for around 1cm, leaving space to add the feet.

Step 6

Place your dipped banana on a plate lined with baking paper. Add your candy eyes just below and in between the eyes, add half a Smartie to make a nose.

Step 7

Use two more halves of Smarties to make two feet!

Place in a cold refrigerator for around 30 mins to set. Enjoy!

Neha Gandesha is a mum from North West London who shares her colourful kid-friendly meals and snack recipes on her Instagram page

@Squashedpickle.

Lightening the mental load this Christmas

By Chloe Lowe

Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for parents. The pressure to create the perfect experience for everyone builds into a behemoth balancing on a plate of mince pies, threatening to crumble at any minute.

The upward comparison with Insta-perfect mums and crafting geniuses, let alone the constant narrative in the press, on television and on social media, means the mental load reaches an all-time high during the festive season and it’s well documented that mums bear the heaviest burden.

The sheer volume of things to think about and do can quickly lead to high-stress, low mood and burnout and not enjoying a minute of Christmas.

It’s very British to need to present the perfect picture. But when you realise that you can’t control everything, including the actions of your extended family or your delivery man, it can be truly liberating!

How to create your ‘perfectly imperfect’ Christmas

Here’s a few tips on how to manage the mental load this Christmas and feel good about it too.

Grab a pen and paper and write a list of the top three things that mean the most to you this Christmas.

Focus on those first. Doing a few things well will feel so much better than spreading yourself too thin and doing lots of things, just ‘ok’.

Ask for and accept help - it’s a sign of strength, not a weakness.

Slow down to speed up. Running on caffeine at one hundred miles per hour is detrimental to your mind and body. Slowing down and taking some deep breaths or even indulging in a Christmas movie, will help you reset, re-energise and get some headspace.

Ask yourself what your children really want and need this Christmas and focus on that rather than succumbing to the pressure to spoil them or compete with peers.

Reduce your time on social media. It’s amazing how many hours you’ll get back.

Avoid too many excesses. Don’t deprive yourself of a glass of fizz and a few mince pies but counter them with a family walk in the fresh air or a healthy breakfast or lunch.

And don’t forget to give yourself the gift of self-care so that you can enjoy Christmas too.

Chloe Lowe is founder of @parentlistapp (www.parentlist. app), the app for busy parents who want to find joy in parenting.

Choosing and caring for your Christmas tree

We all want a fabulous Christmas tree that lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips for selecting and maintaining your tree.

How do I select a tree that’s the correct height for my room?

Measure the distance between your ceiling and floor, which gives you the vertical height limit. Take a note of the height of your tree stand. Deduct the height of the stand from your vertical height limit and you have the maximum possible height of tree that your room can accommodate. Take these measurements with you. Doing this preparation will ensure you don’t end up coming home with a tree that is too tall.

Is my tree fresh and how long will it last?

A healthy tree will have bright and shiny needles, not dry and dull. If you spot any grey sections, that’s a sign of dehydration which means that the tree is not that fresh.

If the tree is fresh, the needles should not break easily and should be hard to pull off. If the trunk is sticky and there is any sap residue, the tree is fresh. Also, the tree should be heavy, which means it is freshly cut and still contains all its water.

Which trees typically survive longest?

Choose Douglas or Nordmann Firs as the best options. If cared for well, they can last for about six weeks before withering, offering the best longevity throughout the Christmas season.

Lower the temperature in the room where you put up your tree, as this really slows down the drying process and keeps your tree fresher for longer.

What are the best watering tricks?

Your tree will need one litre of water per three cm of the stem diameter. That means a fresh cut tree can consume four to five litres a day. Watering is critical, especially for Norway Spruce trees.

Check the water level daily and never let it go below the tree’s base. Without water at the tree’s base, the tree will dry out within a week. The temperature of the water is not that important and no, you can’t overwater your tree, it will absorb only as much as it wants.

How to give a fading Christmas tree new life

Give your tree a good trim which will reduce the number of water-requiring branches. Keep the room as cool as possible and move your tree to the darkest place of the room.

Families would like to thank Fantastic Services (www.fantasticservices. com) for this article.

Barekind Bamboo Socks

These jolly Bamboo socks are great stocking fillers that save endangered animals too. Bright and colourful, they will brighten up your children’s feet, while 10% of the profits are donated to help save the animal on the sock. £7.50.

www.barekind.co.uk

By Claire Winter

Eco

Christmas GIFT GUIDE

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

Elf Letters

We’re all for an advent calendar that encourages children to read! This one has daily, personalised Elf letters directly from a North Pole Elf. Read the stories every day to find out what happens in the North Pole as Santa and the elves get ready for Christmas. £25.99.

www.elfforchristmas.co.uk

Nature Curious Subscription Boxes

Buttercup’s Nature Curious activity subscription boxes encourage children to explore the British wildlife on our doorsteps. Their eco-packaged worksheets and nature prints with augmented reality are designed and printed in the UK. £20 per month with bonus access to an online community.

www.buttercuplearning.com

Families has an annual subscription to give away! Apply at familiesmag.co.uk/go

Kabode Alphabet Children’s Bedding

This gorgeous natural children’s bedding from Kabode is designed to inspire big dreams. The Alphabet collection makes it fun for your child to learn their ABCs and the playful design is decorated with colourful letters. Made from 100% certified organic cotton. £44.95.

www.kabode.co.uk

Play Kits Subscription Boxes

The Play Kits imaginative subscription boxes help parents make the most of playtime and support pre-school brain development. Created with leading child development experts, these are built to last and are made with sustainable wood, organic cotton, non-toxic paint and baby-safe plastics. From £80.

www.lovevery.co.uk

Bake at Home Gingerbread People

Cake or Death’s Bake At Home Gingerbread People make the perfect gift for little bakers. Delivered through your letterbox, each kit comes complete with delicious ready-made gingerbread dough, a cutter and recipe card. £15.

www.cakeordeath.co.uk

JOGB Luxury Candle

A JOGB luxury candle is a lovely treat for someone who has everything (else)! They are artisan-made, eco-friendly candles, made using 100% natural luxury fragrances from quality essential oils. Available in three gorgeous fragrances: Relaxing SLOJO, Uplifting GOJO and Sensual MOJO. £65. www.jogbliving.com

DIY Lip Tint or Cheek Balm Kit

Let the makeup lover in your life design their own allnatural lip tints or cheek balms. These DIY kits have gorgeous ingredients and are plastic-free. £19.99.

www.acalaonline.com

Families has three kits to give away! Apply at familiesmag.co.uk/go

Target Wool Blanket

Warm up with the Tartan Blanket Co.’s recycled wool blankets which are as good for you as they are for the planet. They are made from a mix of at least 70% recycled wool and preloved, recycled fibres. Available in a range of beautiful designs and colours. £65.

www.tartanblanketco.com

Cashmere Fingerless Gloves

These super-cosy, one-size cashmere fingerless gloves by Nearly New Cashmere Co. are made from discarded cashmere jumpers. As an added benefit they’re long enough to keep wrists warm too. A gorgeous festive gift. £24.

www.nearlynewcashmere.co.uk

Halo Water Bottle

Perfect for fitness fanatics, Halo insulated bottles are compact and lightweight. Designed to be incredibly handbag (and even coat pocket)friendly, Halo is a bottle you will never leave at home, making hydrating on the move that little bit easier. From £22.

www.halobottle.com

Crossover Bag

This quirky crossover bag is made in Portugal using superior quality cork. It is a 100% natural raw material harvested every nine years from the cork oaks. Its 100% biodegradability and its high quality make it one of the most sustainable and durable materials available today. Vegan, waterproof and extremely light. £59.99.

www.primaberry.com

Festive family city breaks

By Vicky Bradley

It’s the MOST wonderful time … of the year! It sure is! And what better way to experience Christmas with little ones than on a city break? Our friends at Tested by Tots have identified some of the most family-friendly UK cities in which to experience the full magic of Christmas.

Glasgow

Glasgow holds all the festive fairs that you would expect from a city but it also offers a range of theatre and entertainment for little ones. From a variety of pantos to Children’s Classic Concerts such as The Night Before Christmas, there is plenty to keep you entertained.

https://bit.ly/glasgownightbeforexmas

Kidderminster

Travel by Santa Trains (www.svr.co.uk/ events/santatrains22) from Kidderminster to Arley to see your favourite characters in pantomime. Twenty minutes away, Bodenham Arboretum’s (www.bodenhamarboretum.co.uk) live nativity play is superb.

Nottingham

Nottingham’s festive markets offer something for everyone, from retro style to a sparkling Winter Wonderland! Trinity Square is a city highlight and last year it contained a specially constructed Christmas village which offered visitors the chance to relax with hot chocolates in a number of igloo-style domes. A unique experience!

https://bit.ly/nottswinterwonderland

Durham

A beautiful, picturesque city that truly embraces the spirit of Christmas. Alongside its regular markets, the city holds an annual Christmas Festival. This year’s Festival will run from 2 to 4 December. In addition, Durham will be full of festive music, seasonal storytelling, Carols in the Cathedral, a children’s Lantern Procession and so much more.

https://bit.ly/durxmasfestival

www.allevents.in/kidderminster/ christmas

Belfast

Norwich

Perhaps not the first destination that comes to mind when you think about Christmas but Norwich has lots of festive charm, including the most anticipated Christmas attraction in the UK - The Tunnel of Light! As one of the largest of its kind in Europe, the Tunnel of Light consists of more than fifty seven thousand LED bulbs and over five and a half miles of cabling!

https://bit.ly/norwichxmas

Cardiff

Why not celebrate Christmas with a trip to a festive castle? Cardiff Castle has a fantastic Christmas festival with incredible shows such as Santa’s Wish, Castellana and The Nutcracker, all performed in the round. Plus, there’s the usual spectacular Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland.

https://bit.ly/cardiffcastlexmas

Belfast

This city goes big when it comes to Christmas with light shows, displays, markets and a Georgian experience. The kids won’t believe their eyes!

https://bit.ly/xmasbel

Winchester Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is widely recognised across Europe and is inspired by German Christmas markets. The Cathedral is at the heart of the city’s festivities, lighting up in celebration with Christmas services and other festive activities that carry on into the New Year.

https://bit.ly/wincxmasmarket

Exeter

Exeter city comes alive this time of year with an ice rink and Winter Wonderland plus the usual carol concerts and pantomimes. Drive twenty minutes and you’ll also find Pennywell Farm (www.pennywellfarm.co.uk) which boasts one of the best live nativity and Christmas experiences in Devon.

https://bit.ly/xmasinex

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Norwich

Cardiff

Glasgow

Educating for the future

By Louise Livingston

Children are often asked what they want to be when they grow up. From farmers to flight attendants, astronauts to doctors, the answers are always a mix of familiar careers. But astonishingly, over two thirds of children joining primary school this September will end up in jobs that don’t yet exist. Think back thirty years - there were no social media managers or Bitcoin traders!

Today’s workplace is rapidly changing. As Richard Riley, former Secretary of Education, said:

‘We are currently preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist, using technologies that haven’t been invented to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet.’

It’s a challenge and mainstream education will be required to adjust. Is an education system that focuses mainly on teaching children academic subjects outdated? Focusing on tests and exam results will not deliver for a future which will need creative, flexible problem-solvers who can collaborate.

The visionary educational pioneer, Maria Montessori, recognised this when she wrote,

‘Education must no longer be mostly imparting knowledge but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities.’

In Montessori education, children are guided by a teacher trained in child observation and development. Classrooms provide open-ended, hands-on activities where children choose tasks appropriate to their stage of development.

With activities so targeted to each child’s individual needs and interests, children are engaged and motivated to concentrate, persevere and develop self-discipline. In addition, the activities are designed to encourage children to think flexibly and come up with creative solutions. In the early years, this may simply be how to unbuckle their shoes or share a snack. Later, it may be an exploration of the Jurassic period or a novel approach to solving quadratic equations.

Mixed-age classes with children aged up to three years apart is another key feature of Montessori education. Younger children learn from older role models and older children benefit from the experience too. In this mini community, children share resources, put things away ready for someone else after they have used them and help each other. This fosters social collaboration and builds emotional intelligence.

Louise Livingston has over thirty years’ experience in education and a background in educational neuroscience. She is Head of Training at the Maria Montessori Institute (www.mariamontessori.org), which offers Montessori teacher training, online short courses and the Maria Montessori School for ages 2 to 12 in London.

Age is just a number

In a Montessori environment, children with a three-year age span work alongside each other, choosing and taking part in activities as and when they are developmentally ready. This is in sharp contrast to mainstream approaches which typically require children to learn the same things at the same time, in the same year group.

Developmentally, there can be a marked difference in the abilities of the youngest and oldest children in a standard classroom and how readily they can pass set milestones and tests.

With Montessori, children develop capacities at their own pace, building on a firm foundation of what they can already do.

Mistakes are viewed positively as an opportunity to find a different way of doing something, whereas sometimes mainstream approaches can make children feel that ‘getting it right’ is all that matters. When mistakes are valued as part of the learning process, a child’s confidence grows, they are able to try new things and contribute their ideas, exemplifying the fact that everyone has a unique perspective to offer.

A new approach at home

Supporting your child’s development with a Montessori approach doesn’t require expensive equipment. It’s all about changing your mindset.

For example, instead of automatically doing things for your children, you can encourage them to do things themselves as much as possible and support them only as and when they need it. Depending on your child’s age, these things could include getting dressed, pouring a glass of water or helping to prepare vegetables for dinner.

When they try to do things for themselves, children find their own way. If they ask ‘how do you do that?’ turn that question on its head and ask ‘how do you think it should be done?’

Montessori is about optimising human capacity rather than filling children with facts that can usually be accessed with a few taps on a device. It’s so well-suited to preparing for future jobs because it recognises that with the right encouragement, children are motivated, curious, flexible and creative.

Why should my child aim for university?

Your child is probably still at primary school or may not even have started school yet but, at some point during their education, the question of whether or not they will go to university will doubtless come up.

Deciding whether to go to university or not depends on the career your child wants to pursue but not every student that embarks upon a university course is dead set on a specific career.

The good news is that all university courses equip students with transferable skills that benefit their careers. Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh believes that whatever the course, a university education will equip your child with these skills. Here they explore why the key skills learnt at university can make a student more employable.

Teamwork

Group projects undertaken at university are valuable because teamwork is an essential skill that’s required in almost any job you can think of. Even if your child pursues a career that involves a lot of individual work, like becoming an author or photographer, they will still need teamwork skills.

Through team activities at university, students learn how to work with a variety of other people. In our lives and careers, many of us might have experienced group work with someone who does not pull their weight or someone who wants total control.

Knowing how to deal with these issues professionally will be vital for your child’s future career. They will also gain valuable experience in supporting others, as well as collaborating with other people to come up with new ideas.

Planning and organisation skills

Alongside time management, the ability to plan out their workload and organise tasks and events will be useful for your child in any number of employment roles. If they choose to undertake a degree that is very practical, they will have a lot of opportunities to hone these skills in scenarios that will present themselves in the world of work. If they are considering a more theory-based degree, they will learn how to plan tasks that require a lot of work hours, like their dissertation.

Time management

Two of the greatest skills learned at university are how to manage time effectively and how to work to both long and short-term deadlines.

Coursework projects, like essay submissions and a dissertation, tend to be medium-to-long-term projects and your child will likely be juggling multiple projects simultaneously.

Additionally, your child might have practical work to complete or a presentation to create and present in a lecture.

Managing multiple projects that have different requirements and deadlines helps them learn to prioritise, which is key to time management.

Outside of their studies, there are other opportunities to hone these skills at university too, like volunteering. Student Volunteering Week, which usually happens during February, gives students an amazing opportunity to take part in organised volunteering projects.

Volunteering doesn’t have to be limited to one week each year either. Most universities have partnerships with charities and businesses, offering volunteering opportunities year-round.

This could involve organising fundraising events for a chosen charity, providing support during an event, or even getting out on the streets to raise awareness or money. All these events can help students enhance their planning and organisational skills, as well as many others.

When the time comes, whether your child has a dream career carved out in their head or they are still pondering their options, going to university can equip them with skills that are valuable in any job role.

One of the key benefits of university is the transferable skills it delivers; these can make a young person more employable, whichever degree they have studied.

In fact, transferable skills are key to your child’s future at work. Their ability to problem-solve, be creative, resilient and adaptable and willing to lead, will contribute massively to any job in any industry.

That’s why, these days, employers consider transferable skills to be a priority when evaluating potential candidates for positions. According to Barclays, three quarters of employers prioritise these above or equal to technical skills when recruiting new employees.

Leadership

From lectures and group projects to practical work and extra-curricular activities, the learning methods of university help students learn some of the key elements of leadership.

For instance, your child might assume the leadership role in a group project, which will help build critical delegation skills.

Some courses lend themselves particularly to the development of leadership skills and even teach them as part of the curriculum, like a business management degree.

Students learn about different areas of business and explore specific pathways including accounting, marketing, finance and economics.

Reasons to teach black British history in schools

By Ilhan Rayen Awed

Black British history is British history. Not only is this phrase true but it is necessary to acknowledge.

The teaching of black British history in schools is imperative. It is important for every student to understand and acknowledge the contributions that Black Britons have made to this country.

During Black History Month in October, a few black Britons are generally spotlighted during school lessons. But it’s by embedding black British history throughout the curriculum, in all key stages and throughout the year, that it will be possible to deliver a more accurate view of British history in general.

There are many reasons why the teaching of black British history is crucial. The focus of schools first and foremost should be their students. The integration of black British history into the curriculum will give all students a sense of identity and representation.

Learning about important figures like John Blanke, Mary Prince and Olive Morris gives children the opportunity to find a way in to history by getting to know real people. What follows is greater engagement and interest from those children in topics that previously they may not have felt were relevant to them.

Furthermore, teaching black British history helps alleviate any inequality within the curriculum. By not teaching children about the contributions made by black Britons to British society, it’s as if they are deemed to be unimportant and trivial.

So teaching black British history is inclusive and helps children feel seen, heard, understood and represented.

The benefits of teaching students about black British history are plentiful, not least helping to prevent racism and ignorance from a young age. Educating students on both black British history and the black British lived experience also helps dispel any stereotypes, preconceived notions and bias that children may have towards black Britons. It also allows for students that are not of Afro-Caribbean descent to understand, empathise and engage with different cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds.

Teaching black British history allows children to understand our collective British history better.

Ilhan Rayen Awed is from The Black Curriculum (www. theblackcurriculum.com), a social enterprise founded in 2019 to address the lack of black British history in the British curriculum. It delivers arts focused black history programmes for children ages 8 to 16 which aim to give them a sense of identity, provides teacher training and encourages young people to mobilise and facilitate social change.

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Sleepless in ….wherever…

By Shyamantha Asokan

How do you juggle work and home when your kids won’t sleep?

It’s 4.30am and I’m sleeping across the bottom end of my bed. I’m all crunched up so my feet don’t dangle off the edge, with no pillow and my duvet at a weird angle. I doubt this even counts as sleep – but I’ll take whatever I can get.

So how did I get here?

My three-year-old daughter and my fifteen-month-old son are just emerging from a month of back-to-back nursery illnesses, which has thrown their sleep right off course. Although, even in normal circumstances, neither of them is great at sleeping when they should or where they should. They certainly don’t sleep like the children in all the parenting books I’ve read (seriously, who are those children?).

Here’s a typical night in our house at the moment…

• 8pm: Both kids go to sleep in their bedrooms.

• 11pm: My son wakes and will only go back to sleep in our bed. Husband goes to sofa.

• 1am: My daughter wakes and goes to sleep on the sofa with my husband.

• 2am onwards: My son wakes one or two more times and I cuddle him back to sleep with varying degrees of success. Sometimes it takes an hour.

• 6am: The kids are up for the day.

Sometimes my son falls asleep on my lap and I have to shuffle him onto our mattress at a diagonal angle, in order not to wake him, leaving me just the bottom strip of the bed to sleep on.

Sometimes he falls asleep on my arm and I have to ‘ninja slide’ it out from under him when he’s in a deep-sleep phase. The whole thing is absurd.

Writing emails in my mind

Of course, I still need to go to work – and working while sleepdeprived is brutal.

Madonna and Margaret Thatcher, two under-slept women who were big in the 1980s, both seemed to equate a lack of rest with a passion for their job. This is questionable for a million reasons. Tracy Emin, big in the 1990s, perhaps more sensibly described her insomnia as ‘crippling.’

In any case, I just turn out to be a rubbish version of my usual self. My eyes burn as I read research reports, concentrating is hard and pretending not to be tired is tiring.

In meetings, part of me is listening to what everyone is saying but part of me is just thinking about how well-slept they all look. If you’ve had a meeting with me recently and you thought I was a bit distracted, it’s because I was thinking about how great the skin under your eyes looks.

Overnight, when I’m woken by the kids, I struggle to go back to sleep as work-thoughts pop up and race around my head. I lie at the bottom of the bed and write emails in my mind. Meanwhile my son snuffles and snores like a contented little sea-lion, in his rightful place at the centre of the only double bed in the house.

I was, of course, working when I was on maternity leave last year – looking after children and running a house is a job. But I was surrounded by other women with young children, in a blearyeyed ecosystem where everyone was tired. The professional

‘back-to-work’ world feels very different. Arianna Huffington has said that sleep is a feminist issue, as women get far less of it than men.

But, in the midst of it all, there are suddenly moments of pure rest.

There are endless parenting books that tell you not to cosleep with your children but in my family’s case it’s a balm for everyone involved. At the weekend I have afternoon naps with my daughter and her truly innocent sleep, the kind that only a child can have, calms me until I drop off too.

Shyamantha Asokan is a Midlands-based journalist and mother of two. This blog is part of a series called The Chaos Train, a record of daily life when you have a career and preschool children.

With thanks to www.workingmums.co.uk who host her blog online. Find part time, home based and flexible full-time jobs plus advice for working mums on its site.