Families North East Magazine Mar/Apr 2022 Print

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IN THIS ISSUE

Easter Education FREE family fun days out Travel Issue 23 March/April 2022

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Nominations and entries now open!

Families North East Awards

sponsored by Dame Allan’s Schools

Star Teacher o r Childcarer

ut

Best Days O

Best Childcare

ses Best Clas

for Kids

Nominate your family favourite!

Show your support and appreciation by nominating your family favourite to win an award. Nominations close 15 April 2022, so HURRY!

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CONTENTS

Welcome Woohoo! It’s time to start thinking about getting out and about with the family again and, in this issue, we’ve got our usual What’s On pages as well as a whole list of places to visit in the region for FREE.

Contact us Carla Finlayson & Laura Macaulay Editors E: Carla@familiesnewcastle.co.uk T: 07734 690020 @FamiliesNorthEastMag

@FamiliesNEMag @familiesnortheastmag

In this issue 4.

Education

7.

Family Law

8.

Travel

9.

Early Years

10. Parenting 13. Environment 14. What’s On 16. Easter craft

Are you nervously waiting to find out the results of your school application? We have suggestions on what to do if you don’t get your first choice. Also, find out how to tackle your child’s fears and how you can involve your children in saving power.

Our handy guide to the top apps for parents will help you to make family life just that little bit easier. Find out why it’s not worth opting for DIY divorce with our article from Mincoff’s Solicitors.

Finally, we have lots of Doodlejamz to give away! Apply for this squishy, squashy, sensory – but mess-free - drawing toy for your child. And, if you haven’t signed up to receive our digital magazine and enjoy additional, interactive content, you can do this at familiesmag.co.uk/go to receive every issue free to your inbox.

Happy springtime days!

Laura & Carla x November/December competition winners

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list at https://bit.ly/compwinnersND 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.

CHALLENGE, DISCOVERY & INTRIGUE The Plotters’ Forest is a bespoke children’s play area to the north of Raby Castle nestled in our magical Christmas tree plantation. From stargazing decks, to towers and tunnels, high-level walkways and three-storey forts in the forest, this incredible space offers an imaginative playground for all ages to enjoy.

An adventure for the whole family, opening Easter 2022!

www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/play Be the first to hear more about The Plotters’ Forest Playground

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Families North East Magazine 3

EDUCATION

Help, we didn’t get our first choice school!

By Emma Lewry School allocation day is almost upon us. In England, secondary school places are announced on 1 March. Then, during April, those who have applied for a primary school place will find out their designated school. Thankfully, almost ninety two percent of families are given their first-choice primary school and ninety eight percent get one of their listed preferences. In secondary, ninety six percent of students get one of their listed schools. But what about those who do not get their first choice or even any preferences? How can you deal with the fallout from not getting a choice you planned for? Here are three suggestions: Give the allocated option a chance If you do not know much about the school, get nosey on their website and give them a call see if you can visit. In many cases, second or third choice allocations turn out to be brilliant and families are really pleased with the decision. Give the school a chance, it might work for you!

Manage disappointment Sometimes the biggest issue is managing the disappointment you and your child might feel. Look after yourself and take some time to be sad, angry and frustrated; these are important and valid feelings. Communicating positively with your child is important if you can, so they don’t feel nervous about their new school.

Get on the waiting lists Plenty changes between the spring and September and there is still a good chance you can get a space at your first choice school or another you feel happier about. Depending on your local authority procedures, you may automatically go on a waiting list or you may need to request this with your local authority or directly with the school.

If you are still feeling unsure about the school options, there is time to look at other schools and request a change. Both starting school and moving to secondary are big events and you need to feel as happy about them as you can. There are also options to appeal; although this can be challenging, it may be worth a shot.

Again, your local authority website should explain the appeals process.

Emma Lewry is an Early Years teacher, former Headteacher and mum to two little girls. Emma co-owns Every Day’s a School Day (www.edasd.co.uk/links) which supports families to prepare for starting school through groups, courses and a school starters planner available from Amazon.

Telling your child

Appealing a decision

Where possible, after taking a little time to process your own feelings, tell your child with a positive spin. Explain to them that there is a different school that wants them to join.

Each local authority has an appeals procedure to follow and this can be found on their website.

Find some specific things about the school they will love and show younger children pictures of happy children and fun activities on the school website. For older children, visit the website together to look at what is on offer.

Give them some examples of times when a change or difference in a plan has been good, for example ‘it was raining on our walk but we found some great puddles.’ Children of all ages are really receptive to these examples of bigger life lessons and it gives an opportunity to talk about how they feel.

Stories are a great way to explore feelings and talk about sadness and disappointment. Top recommendations for little ones are: The Colour Monster by Anna Lennas and for older children No Worries, an activity book by Dr Sharie Combes or You are Awesome by Matthew Syed.

4 Families North East Magazine

It will explain how to appeal and what reasons you can use for appeal. It is quite difficult to be successful with an appeal and in most cases, this only happens where children have additional needs which cannot be supported in any other setting. In a nutshell, if you appeal a decision, you are effectively asking a school which is full to remove a child from that allocation and move them to a different school. As you can imagine, that is an unlikely scenario.

It can be worth going through the process though, as there are situations in which schools may take on more children if they are able to and by appealing, you are showing you are serious about wanting a place at that school.

Once you appeal, the case will be heard by a panel, you may be invited to the hearing and you will be given a decision with reasons.

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Parental pressure

By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

It can sometimes be challenging for parents to walk the fine line between caring too little and caring too much about their child’s progress at school.

Whilst we all want the best for our children, our own expectations and behaviour can have a direct impact on their academic and emotional development. The weight of pressure and expectation can lead to low self-esteem and anxiety, whilst a lack of pressure and expectation can be equally counterproductive. So how do we strike a balance, ensuring that we are setting and supporting realistic goals for our children?

Research suggests a strong and positive link between high expectations and high academic achievements. But these expectations must be based on a realistic understanding of our children’s abilities. When our dreams and fantasies do not coincide with their own interests and abilities, our expectations can strike a debilitating blow to their development.

Putting children under unreasonable pressure can impact their mental and physical health as well as their relationships with both parents and peers. The constant stress to perform interferes with children’s identity formation and can cause them to feel that they can never be good enough.

On the other hand, having low or no expectations can lead to poor performance and an inability to cope with pressure of any kind. When parents are too accepting of whatever their child does, it communicates that the child doesn’t really matter. This can be equally damaging.

Key here is to maintain expectation but minimise pressure. High expectations can be motivating and encouraging, helping your child reach their potential and feel confident and secure. Think

about the process rather than the result by encouraging them to stick with their studies even when they are struggling.

Work with your child to decide on best ways to manage test situations. Experiment with different study methods together to find out what works best for them. If your child is struggling, then talk to your child’s school to see what support can be provided.

Finally, it’s crucial to remind your child of your love and support without reference to their academic performance and test outcomes.

Supporting them to learn from their mistakes motivates them to try new approaches to problem solving, achieving wisdom and good judgement along the way.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

Shape your child’s future with a Diamond education Dame Allan’s Schools in Newcastle is the only school in the North East following the ‘Diamond Structure’ of education for pupils age 3 to 18.

In the Junior School and Nursery, boys and girls are taught together in a co-educational classroom setting, where they develop their social skills as they learn; this forms the base of the diamond.

Once pupils move up into the Senior Schools in Year 7, boys and girls split into the single-sex Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, where they are taught separately between 11 and 16.

This allows the teaching to be tailored to the different needs of boys and girls, whilst giving them the opportunity to mix socially during the school day and in co-curricular activities.

This offers the benefits of single-sex education combined with the social and cultural merits of a co-educational environment to ensure students perform at their very best.

In the Sixth Form, pupils from both schools come back together to prepare them for university and life beyond Dame Allan’s which is, by definition, co-educational; this is the tip of the diamond.

following an inspection by the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate (ISI), the independent sector equivalent of Ofsted.

The report reflected the positive impact of the Schools’ diamond structure, highlighting that pupils “make rapid progress in the single-sex environment of their separate schools, where the differentiated styles of teaching enable them to achieve their potential.”

We invite you to discover more about how boys and girls start this journey in the Junior School and Nursery at the forthcoming open morning Saturday 19 March – to register please visit the website www.dameallans.co.uk

This educational structure was recognised as ‘excellent’ Familiesonline.co.uk

Families North East Magazine 5

EDUCATION

How important is spelling?

By Jemma Zoe Smith At a time when autocorrect is everywhere and very few situations call for handwriting, the question being debated is: does spelling matter?

As a dyslexic tutor, my answer does not fit squarely on one side of the fence. Spelling is a recognised core skill which helps with reading, processing and pronunciation. That said, should anyone be penalised for having important and novel ideas, simply because they struggle to write them down?

In UK primary schools, children are given regular spelling tests and spelling is tested at each stage of pupils’ lives. 11+ exams, SATs, GCSEs and even some job interviews require a writing task without spellcheck. So yes, spelling must matter because it is tested at so many points in the UK (although not so much in the USA). Fail to master spelling and it is harder to make it to top universities or careers.

Indeed, poor spelling skills can also impede you in love! In 2016, a survey of over five thousand people on online dating site Match.com found that over a third judged whether a potential date was suitable by their grasp of grammar.

Poor spelling can also impact business ratings, with a BBC article in 2011 stating that ‘a single spelling mistake can cut online sales in half.’

While spell checking tools can be used, they raise a new issue.

When spell check corrects a word, it can also change the word to one different than intended, creating hundreds of ‘funniest autocorrect’ articles online but also leaving governments red

faced as ‘peace’ turns to ‘peach’ in press releases.

But let’s not come down too hard on spelling lest it discourage children from writing. I have seen students go from enthusiastic to disengaged learners after seeing their work returned with red rings around the misspelled words. For many, their ideas for stories, articles and debates stay locked in their heads, never written down for fear of over-zealous correction. We might be missing out on some amazing works - after all, Jane Austen is known for spelling scissors as ‘scissars’ and sofa as ‘sopha’. And her novels are considered literary classics!

So does spelling matter? Sort of. But it shouldn’t get in the way of encouraging children to write. My solution? Spend longer on proof-reading, a skill that can help beyond the classroom. And, on that note, I’m off to proof-read this article.

Jemma Zoe Smith is Director of The Education Hotel (www.educationhotel.co.uk).

Our diamond creates bigger opportunities from small beginnings.

Junior School and Nursery Open Morning 19th March There is limited availability in someyear groups for 2022.

Applications are now being accepted for 2023.

Register at dameallans.co.uk For further information please contact the Head of Admissions on 0191 275 0608.

RATED EXCELLENT BY THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE

6 Families North East Magazine

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FAMILY LAW

Who needs a lawyer anyway?

HMCTS have relatively recently launched an online portal to make applying for a Divorce more user friendly and easier than ever befor...so why engage a lawyer?

If the split is amicable, you have no children, no property, no assets or possessions, a DIY divorce may be an attractive option.

However, in reality, very few divorces will fall into this category.

Divorce is one of those topics that everybody often thinks they know about. From stories passed around the staffroom to celebrity divorces splashed across the press, people are full of advice and ‘facts’ about what people should and shouldn’t do and how the process works. Given the number of marriages that unfortunately end in divorce, most people know somebody who has experienced divorce themselves. Surely they should know everything, right?

The reality is often very different. No two marriages are the same and therefore, inevitably, each divorce/separation has its own set of circumstances.

If you’re not a plumber you wouldn’t plumb your own bathroom.

If you’re not a mechanic you wouldn’t fix your own car.

If you’re not a lawyer you wouldn’t do your own divorce...would you?

Most people that have been through a divorce are likely to agree that it when it comes to emotional turmoil, it’s definitely up there! As a result it is often very difficult to be dispassionate when acting for yourself, in your family breakdown. It is difficult to stand back from the facts and look at them objectively as people have a very natural tendency to see things from their own perspective and struggle to act impartially, often becoming embroiled in minor issues whilst losing all sense of objectivity and failing to see the wider picture. When dealing with the most important thing in life, there is a lot to be said for a bespoke service, tailored to the individual family’s needs.

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Emily Cannell, Partner and Head of Family Law at Mincoffs Solicitors

The law is a technical area of expertise just like any other learned skill and it is easy to make mistakes. It is not often recognised that the process of a divorce is commonly divided into three parts: the process of obtaining the Decree Absolute, (dissolves the marriage); deciding how the matrimonial assets are to be divided and issues in relation to the children – where they will live and how often the other party will see them. Each aspect is very different and requires very specialist advice and attention to detail.

In most technical areas, there are many myths that circulate and divorce is no exception. Many people are led to believe that they can only obtain a divorce if the other party agrees. Not true.

Many think they have to wait two years to get divorced or that it will be regarded as an amicable split if they do wait. Not true.

Many people do not appreciate that a divorce alone will not deal with financial aspects and even after a divorce, financial claims are still very much live until such time as a court order deals with the financial position, entirely separately to the divorce.

With the new online portal there are certainly better opportunities for separating couples to limit some of their costs in relation to obtaining a divorce but there is still a place for clear legal advice to ensure all matters are dealt with properly and cost efficiently. Contact Emily Cannell ecannell@mincoffs.co.uk or call 0191 281 6151 for further advice.

Families North East Magazine 7

TRAVEL

Unique UK animal encounters From the truly wild to the more domestic, there are so many animal experiences to be enjoyed here in the UK. Whether you dream of taking you and your family strolling with alpacas or heading out into the deep blue sea, these animal encounters will create lasting memories.

Spot badgers in Dorset

Walk alpacas in East Sussex

Herd sheep in the Lake District

Watch beavers in Cornwall

Possibly one of the most elusive of all British wildlife, wild badgers are often difficult to find despite their size. For an opportunity to glimpse one of these creatures, head to Dorset’s Old Henley Farm where guests can sit and view in two spacious hides. Visit www.badgerwatchdorset. co.uk

A stroll through the British countryside with an alpaca friend in tow is certain to put a smile on your face! Alpaca walking at Spring Farm Alpacas in East Sussex will take you through beautiful countryside, where you can spot a wide range of wildlife the farm has encouraged. Visit www.springfarmalpacas. co.uk

If you’re keen to get stuck into life on the farm, look no further than the truly unique Lake District Sheepdog Experience. Designed for absolute beginners, just one session will see you guiding your flock around a small course all with assistance of your trusty sheepdog. Visit www.bit.ly/lakesheepdog

After four hundred years of extinction in the UK, beavers are making a comeback thanks to the Cornwall Beaver Project. These chubbycheeked rodents in Cornwall have been reintroduced into a secure area of woodland and can be viewed on weekly beaver walks. Visit www. cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

Stay: Shepherd’s Hut, Blandford Forum

Stay: Gun Hill Cottage, Heathfield

Stay: Winster Fields, Windermere

Stay: 2 Pencoose Barns, Truro

Go whale watching in Scotland

Kayak with seals in Pembrokeshire

Spy red squirrels in the Yorkshire Dales

See wild boars in the Forest of Dean

Whale watching may be on your bucket list for an exotic country but it is achievable here in the UK. Off the mainland of Scotland, near the islands of Tiree, Coll and Mull, you can see Minke whale along with dolphins and porpoises.

The Pembrokeshire coast is home to one of the largest breeding Atlantic seal colonies in the world. Glimpse these inquisitive creatures and their pups up close. Mayberry Kayaking are so confident you will see them that they even offer a ‘seal guarantee’ during certain months. Visit www.bit.ly/mayberryseals

The endangered red squirrel is a rare find but can be easily found in Yorkshire’s Widdale Squirrel Reserve, one of the last strongholds. With a special viewing area for the public, you will be sure to get the perfect vantage point to spot these bushy tailed beauties. Visit www.bit.ly/yorkshiresquirrels

Wild boars had largely disappeared from the UK until an unsanctioned release from a farm in the Ross-on-Wye area. Many now roam the Wye Valley. If you are lucky enough to spot one on your visit, stay still and keep your distance they are not as friendly as their domesticated counterparts.

Stay: Tirlaggan Studio, Oban

Stay: Maerdy Lodge, Haverfordwest

Stay: Mary’s Cottage, Hawes

Stay: Danby Lodge, Coleford

Gun Hill Cottage, Heathfield

8 Families North East Magazine

Tirlaggan Studio, Oban

Compiled by Yonder (www.yonder.com), a new travel brand that offers responsible and nature rich stays and experiences. All properties referred to in the article can be found on their website.

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EARLY YEARS

Play for nurturing emotional intelligence

By Dr Anne Lane When my daughter was in her first year at nursery her favourite game was pretending to say goodbye to me. ‘Bye Mama, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you later.’ ‘Oh no! You’re not going...’ I’d say after her, ‘I don’t want you to go!’ The more I sighed ‘Don’t go,’ the more she’d giggle and run off. Thus reassured, we were ready for our day.

Little moments of play like this helped my daughter process her separation from me at nursery from a space of safety and connection.

For a child, life can be full of emotional demands; from the strains of separation from you, to new friendships, periods of uncertainty and family changes.

As a parent and psychologist, one of the most effective and fun ways I have found to help children navigate experiences and the difficult emotions that come with these is through this process of play. Simple, giggly, repetitive play helps children develop a resilience and familiarity with situations which can dispel tension and anxiety.

So how does play work?

Play is serious work for your child. The process of role-playing real scenarios allows them to reflect on their reactions and beliefs about a situation. They can steady their emotions and become more nuanced and agile in their reactions.

in the world of play, they get to switch things around and feel empowered. They can explore and try different things. The play scenario can be ridiculous, funny, amusing - tense and tight emotions soften and ease.

Against this background of safety and security, your child can become more comfortable making suggestions and changing things, allowing their understanding of situations to develop.

They’re the boss, they call the shots and decide how a situation goes. From this place of safety, they revisit difficult experiences without feeling vulnerable or uncertain.

In role playing and playing out different scenarios with them, your child comes to know you as someone who can understand and relate to their experience. They feel steady and secure.

Dr Anne Lane is a clinical psychologist and author. Her new book Nurture Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence: 5 Steps to Help Your Child Cope with Big Emotions and Build Resilience is out now.

The most important aspect of play is that it feels safe. In the real world, things are unpredictable. People can be abrupt and cross and make your child feel vulnerable and uncertain. But

Top tips for playing When you play with your child, focus less on conversation and more on acting things out and exploring. This focus away from language allows your child to relax and connect.

Follow the laughter. When your child is laughing they are releasing fear and tension, enveloped in happiness with you.

Silliness, smiles and laughter are great indicators that play is working.

Let your child take the lead. If you can, get down to their level.

Prioritise your child feeling in control. If your child seems uncertain or pulls back then slow down, change things around.

Let them be the boss.

Be careful with tickling. Although a lot of children love tickling, the feeling of being tickled can be overwhelming and intense.

Instead prioritise play which creates real engagement and collaboration, as well as laughter.

Play doesn’t have to be big, take long or be over-planned.

Make it spontaneous and funny. Some of my children’s favourite games can involve me simply looking surprised or pretending to sleep on the sofa!

Familiesonline.co.uk

Easter Dance Fusion £100 19-22 April

Summer Dance Camps £125 1-5 August & 8-12 August

Multi-buy and sibling discounts available 0191 261 0505

dancecity.co.uk

Families North East Magazine 9

PARENTING

Tackling childhood fears

By Tanith Carey

During the pandemic, levels of anxiety among adults have risen sharply and some of this worry has been contagious for kids. So how do we help children manage their own feelings when the world feels uncertain for grown-ups too?

Firstly, remember that children take their cues from you. This means noticing when you feel overwhelmed.

Visualise a sliding scale in your mind with notches from one to ten. When the scale starts to move towards seven or eight, take deliberate steps to process your own worries, maybe talking them through with another adult, so you can stay calm and rational around your child.

You may be concerned that this is hiding your worries from your child. Don’t be. It’s putting on your own oxygen mask so you can reassure them they are safe within the world of their home. If your child seems worried by something about Covid they have heard outside the home, ask what they’ve heard.

From around age 4 or 5, young children engage in ‘magical thinking’ in which they believe they are the centre of the world.

In order to try and make sense of how the world works, they also tend to link events that aren’t linked, meaning that they often leap to the wrong conclusions. If a grandparent gets Covid, they may for example, assume it’s down to them not washing their hands when they come home from school.

Asking your children about their fears allows you to tackle their concerns directly. You can help them feel more in control by telling them they are part of a big team winning the war on the virus and helping by wearing masks and washing their hands. Explain: ‘Lots of people have caught this germ, but for most, it’s been like a really bad cold.’

Talk too about how clever scientists have come up with vaccines and millions of grown-ups, from health care staff to teachers, are still working hard to look after them. Help them get the virus in perspective too. Explain that there are good germs in our bodies as well as bad ones, how their immune system works and how to look after it.

While young children tend not to worry about death as something that happens to them, they may worry about who will look after them if you or your co-parent dies. If this is a concern that surfaces, tell your child that everyone dies eventually but

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you don’t expect it to happen for a long time and by then they will be grown-up.

Facing and talking about their fears doesn’t mean they will become persistent. In fact, they are more likely to keep coming back when children feel alone with them, not heard or unable to express them.

If you do lose a loved one, give clear, open honest answers because younger children don’t understand death is final. Avoid phrases such as ‘gone to sleep’ or ‘we’ve lost them.’ Explain simply the reason that their loved one is no longer here is that their body stopped working.

Sometimes kids can find it easier to process the death of a loved one through tangible ways of mourning. Going through family photos, making a keepsake box, releasing a balloon with the person’s name on or planting a tree can all be helpful.

Tanith Carey is author of What’s My Child Thinking: Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents with clinical child psychologist Dr Angharad Rudkin, published by DK books.

Fears and anxieties are some of the one hundred scenarios faced with children aged 2 to 7 that are tackled in this book.

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Will bad people hurt us?

By the time children are 5 or 6, they may overhear talk about crime or terror attacks and worry that ‘bad people’ may want to hurt them or the people they love.

While you may feel it’s too soon to tackle such a big subject, they are really asking if they are safe with you right now.

Acknowledge their concerns and how scary this must feel.

Explain that serious crimes and big news incidents are rare and they are safe at home.

Familiesonline.co.uk

PARENTING

Top apps every parent needs

By Ari Last It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of apps available in the App Store and give up before you’ve even started looking for something.

When it comes to parenting though, getting good apps on speed dial can really save time if you’re looking to keep the children entertained, connect with other like-minded parents, research childcare options or seek guidance on how to make family life just that little bit easier.

Here are some recommendations: Family Locator https://family-locator.com When older children or teenagers are out and about, keep track of their location with this app which keeps your family secure and connected, for extra peace of mind.

CBeebies www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies This staple app on any parent’s phone or tablet offers both educational games as well as classic cartoons for when you just need a break!

Mush www.letsmush.com The number one social app for mums to find friends who live nearby with kids the same age, arrange to meet up and get advice from parenting experts and peers.

The Wonder Weeks www.bit.ly/WonderWeeksApp A week-by-week guide to your baby’s development right through from pregnancy to after birth, showing how you can support and stimulate your little one.

Allrecipes Dinner Spinner https://dish.allrecipes.com/ mobile-apps A handy bank of recipes and cooking inspiration which keeps solving the ‘what can I make for dinner?’ question and keeps little bellies satisfied every evening.

Sound Sleeper www.soundsleeperapp.com Help your baby get off to sleep with this app’s collection of calming sounds.

Kidday www.kidday.com The easiest way to store your child’s photographs in one place, as well as share albums with friends and family.

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OLIO www.olioex.com Here you can give away unwanted kids’ items to those in the local area, allowing you to help out a neighbour and reduce waste. You can also use the app to look for anything you might happen to need and save some pennies.

Ari Last is a parenting guru and founder of childcare app Bubble. For more information, visit www.joinbubble.com

Pre-schoolers and group activities After nearly two years of social distancing and screen time, the number of UK pre-schoolers joining organised group activities has risen by ten percent, according to a new study from leading researcher Childwise. Twenty six percent of parents surveyed said their pre-schooler had participated in group activities last year, up from sixteen percent in 2019.

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E ME

Bubble www.joinbubble.com The UK’s biggest ondemand childcare platform, with over 100,000 users and 5-star Trustpilot rating.

Find, book and pay local sitters or nannies who come recommended from their friends and other parents in their area.

Swimming is the most popular activity, followed by dance classes and group music lessons. On average, UK kids are now participating in 1.4 activities, up from 1.2 activities pre-Covid.

More info: www.childwise.co.uk Families North East Magazine 11

WORK

Successful networking

By Marina Gask and Cheryl Laidlaw Ever wondered how (and how NOT) to get the best out of networking?

Be interested Small talk can be pretty cringey, especially if you’ve just met someone. Start by asking why the person is there and what they do as this will quickly give you a sense of whether they are interesting for you. Don’t rule them out straightaway. Chat a bit more and explore common ground. Talk about your own area of expertise and what you love about it, so you get them interested.

You don’t know who they know and their contacts book could be full of useful people. Smile. Be nice!

The greeting An appropriate greeting for a total stranger you have just met is a handshake or nod of the head or fist bump in these sociallydistanced Covid times. If you are up for the handshake, make it brief and firm. Or avoid the scenario altogether by having a drink in one hand and canapé in the other so you can just smile winningly as you say your name and ask for theirs.

Enjoying a drink Networking can be a nerve-wracking thing, especially if you are not used to it. But announcing ‘I don’t get out much’ and tucking into a tipple with gusto is very ill-advised indeed. Maybe you do need to get out more with your actual friends. But when networking you are there to make a good impression among strangers and hopefully meet new contacts, so locate your offswitch before you risk breathing winey fumes at all and sundry.

Narcissism It is not all about you. Obviously, you want to tell someone what you do and give them a positive reason to remember you but if you just go on about yourself, they may think you are an idiot. So be a good listener as well as a talker and think about how you might be able to help them. Remember someone you meet today could do you a massive service in the future. So be memorable and generous.

Words: Marina Gask and Cheryl Laidlaw, co-founders of Website in a Day (www.website-in-a-day.co.uk).

Abridged article from www.audreyonline.co.uk by Marina Gask and Cheryl Laidlaw.

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The scattergun approach If you have ever had someone shove their business card in your face without bothering to even ask your name, you will know how annoying this approach is. You will not get work by handing out cards like sweets. Only give your card to someone if you have had a good chat and really connected with them.

Interrupting Nerves or enthusiasm might find you jumping in to speak up while someone else is talking. Or you may have something relevant or funny to say. But this is not a great way to connect with people, better to wait. Equally, if you have spotted an interesting group, do not just barge in. Stand just off to the side, make eye contact, smile and wait for them to invite you into the group. If they do not, they are not worth bothering with.

Being woolly What do you say when people ask what you do? This is a tricky one. Some people will talk for ten minutes and you still walk away none the wiser as to how they earn a living. Do not overcomplicate it and avoid being woolly. You may have heard of The Elevator Pitch, a short, specific summary of your amazingness that you somehow must cram into the time an elevator takes to go up a few floors. Practise saying specifically what you do and get it down to a fine art.

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Oversharing Making real and lasting connections with like-minded people is a wonderful thing. But however warm and friendly your new contact may seem, you do not actually know them yet and they are unlikely to want to know about your painful divorce or medical issues. A meaningful chat can soon turn awkward if you overshare. Save it for friends.

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Magazine 12 Families North East Magazine

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ENVIRONMENT

Involving children in saving power

By Angela Terry The climate crisis is hot news, energy prices are soaring and families are feeling the pain. With nearly a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions created by our homes, there’s no better time to instil good energy-saving habits in our children, help the environment and reduce energy bills. Luckily, there are many creative ways of doing this so you don’t need to resort to nagging. Here are some suggestions: Measure your household carbon footprint To put energy saving into context, find a free online calculator and measure your household carbon footprint. Start a family art project, drawing a big foot and recording the date and the number of tonnes of emissions generated by your household. As you work together to reduce your footprint, you can update your achievements periodically, getting your children to draw smaller and smaller feet. Display your feet in a row along a wall to chart your progress.

Get children to write the rules Go through each room in your house with the kids and ask them to pinpoint all the potential sources of wasted energy. Draw up a list together and agree a set of family rules that you’re all going to stick to, like switching off appliances that aren’t in use and keeping all curtains closed at night. Ownership of the rules should help motivate kids to follow them.

Rewards To help younger children stick to your rules, try a reward chart with stickers. If they stick to them for a week, you can then give them a special eco treat, like a bee hotel for the garden or a packet of sunflower seeds to plant together. Older children and teens are more likely to be motivated by money, so agree a small weekly financial reward. Given how much energy prices are increasing, this will still save you money overall.

Appoint monitors Allocate specific roles to each child. One could be the curtain monitor, ensuring all curtains are pulled shut at dusk, stopping extra energy seeping out of windows as the temperature drops.

Likewise, another child could be the thermostat monitor and check it isn’t set above nineteen degrees Celsius. Children can

also check that bedrooms and little-used rooms are not being heated unnecessarily by turning down their radiator valves.

Finally, a socket monitor could make sure all appliances not in use are switched off at the wall.

Time showers Make a game of it when it comes to cutting hot water usage by timing each other in the shower to see who can be the quickest – whilst still actually getting clean, of course!

Screen time Screen time limits can be one of the greatest sources of tension between parents and children. Building in an energy saving component can help. Explain to your children that the carbon footprint of our gadgets, the internet and the systems supporting them is nearly four percent of global emissions - greater than those from aviation. If they stick to agreed limits, offer to reward them with an outing to the park or a hot chocolate in a cafe.

Set an example One of the best things you can do, is role model ultra-efficient energy usage. Children are like sponges and imitate those they’re closest to. Make sure you do everything you’re asking them to do and ask them to remind you if you forget. They’ll love the sense of responsibility (and telling you what to do!).

Angela Terry is an environmental scientist and founder of One Home (www.onehome.org.uk), the UK’s first consumer climate action hub.

Draught hunting...

Smarten up your saving

Of course, you want to save energy but simultaneously make your home as insulated and cosy as possible. Encourage your children to come on a draught hunt with you, searching for any leaks around windows or doors. When you find some, enlist their help in a bit of easy DIY, sealing them with inexpensive rubber trim, available from most DIY shops. If cold air is seeping under the front door, do some ‘draught craft’ and make a snake draught excluder together. YouTube has lots of helpful tutorials.

A smart meter is a great visual tool. Once you’ve had one installed, use it to show your children when you’re using the most energy and how much it’s costing. Set targets to reduce your monthly usage and bills. Explain that just by turning down your thermostat by one degree saves an average of £80 per year. The ideal temperature is nineteen degrees Celsius.

Set targets and treat yourselves to a family games night or outing whenever you hit them.

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Families North East Magazine 13

WHAT’S ON If you’re looking for places to visit and things to keep the kids entertained as spring emerges, then our What’s On guide is packed full of ideas for places to take the kids, whatever the weather, local festivals, events and shows.

14 - 15 Mar – The Smartest Giant in Town Tyne Theatre & Opera House Based on the bestselling book

by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look.

Theatre

19 - 20 Mar - Dear Zoo The Customs House I wrote to the Zoo to send me a pet and they sent me a…Ben and Sally are searching for the perfect pet, but instead the zoo send a far too big elephant, a far too grumpy camel, and a far too jumpy frog. Whatever will they send next!

5 - 9 Apr – Nutcracker!

Newcastle Theatre Royal With family-sized helpings of Bourne’s trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy, Nutcracker! follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from a darkly comic Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross’ Orphanage, through a shimmering, ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland, influenced by the lavish Hollywood musicals of the 30s.

7 Apr – Justin Live - The Big Tour Sunderland Empire Come and see CBeebies superstar and children’s favourite Justin Fletcher live on stage in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza.

16 - 17 Apr – The Wizard of Oz Tyne Theatre & Opera House Join Kansas farm-girl Dorothy and her pet dog Toto on this magical adventure suitable for all ages. Watch in amazement as they are picked up by a tornado and carried off to the magical Land of Oz. With help from their new friends, they travel to the Emerald City.

19 - 24 Apr – Bedknobs & Broomsticks Sunderland Empire Enter a world of magic and fantasy as Disney’s classic movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks makes its world premiere as an exciting new musical.

21 - 23 April - Mother Goose Little Theatre, Gateshead The EGG-Citing Easter panto is coming to the Little Theatre Gateshead. Join Bella and the gang this EASTER for this wonderful tale of Mother Goose!

21 - 24 Apr – Oi Frog & Friends Northern Stage Join FROG, CAT and DOG in this Olivier Award nominated action-packed stage adaptation. Expect songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at.

14 Families North East Magazine

Mondays - Seven Stories Super Story Explorers Super Story Explorers is our special storytimes for under 5s, facilitated by our wonderful Story Catcher team and perfect for children and grown-ups who love picture books. Whether you’re shooting off into outer space, trekking deep in the jungle, or diving under the sea with your Story Catcher, 2 picture books will be at the core of your event, with themed activities to inspire the imagination of all.

2 - 19 Apr - Gibside, National Trust Easter Egg Hunt Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. Along the route you can discover what makes Gibside special in spring.

Venture through the Walled Garden, up the Avenue and wind your way past the Stables towards the Octagon Pond before heading back to Market Place. The price is £3 per child and includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end.

Mondays -Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle Little Artists Discover the Laing with your little ones and support their early development in a fun and relaxed way, exploring a different theme each week. Each session involves a warm up with movement and motion, gallery exploration with fun interactive activities, a practical art activity with various materials and a short story time.

9 Apr - 5 Jun- Washington Wetland LEGO® Brick Wetland Safari Go on a Lego Brick Wetland Safari this spring showcasing GIANT models, some of which are twelve-times life-size, sitting alongside some of their real-life cousins. Plus with 2 NEW MODELS never before seen at WWT Washington! The awesome Lego brick sculptures include an outstanding owl, kingsize kingfisher and enormous otter and will form a fun trail, perfect for families and children.

Plus, complete the trail and enter our competition for a Lego goody bag!

‘til 13 May – Life Science Centre Animal Earth From thrilling experiments and live shows to space adventures and exciting activities for under 7s. Explore the wonder of animals all over Earth, and how they adapt to their different habitats. Discover how kangaroos keep cool in the desert, and polar bears warm in the Arctic in our NEW live show. Build a bug hotel to take home and experiment with a ‘blubber glove’! Go wild for Gaia – a huge gleaming replica of our shared home, planet Earth.

2 Mar - 6 Apr – Discovery Museum Tiny Sparks!

Spark your child’s imagination with stories about science and curious objects. This is an opportunity for tiny engineering, inventing, discovering, designing and investigating. At Tiny Sparks young children aged 3-5 can explore science and the museum of archival objects each week through play, activity, song and rhyme.

26 & 27 Mar - Raby Castle Mother’s Day – Picnic in the Park Treat Mum to a delicious afternoon tea hamper to take away and enjoy in the beautiful surroundings of our Raby Deer Park. See the incredible wildlife on display as you picnic, including our herds of Red and Fallow Deer and Longhorn cattle.

Pre-order online now!

27 Mar & 24 Apr – Beamish Skiffle Sessions Enjoy a fantastic Skiffle Session at the 50s Welfare Hall with our own resident Skiffle band, Hop, Skiffle and Jump. Enjoy authentic music from the 50s played on tea chest bass, washboard, guitar and fiddle.

(Dates TBC) - Raby Castle Easter Trail - Deer Park The details of our Easter Trail are still to be confirmed so keep an eye on www. raby.co.uk/whats-on/ for updates.

11 April - National Glass Centre, Sunderland Easter Egg and Bunny GlassPpainting Paint and take away your very own glass Easter Egg or Bunny. Display it at home and feel a spring in your step as you celebrate the spring season all year round! Age 4+, £4, Booking Essential 13 April - Quorum Park, Newcastle Easter Family Fun Day An event for all the family! Bring everyone this Easter half term for an afternoon of Easter fun at Quorum Park!

Expect freebies, street food vendors, market stalls and live entertainment.

15 - 18 April - Washington Wetland Easter Duck Trail A gang of BIG YELLOW ducks is flocking to Washington this Easter - can you ‘quack the case’ and help us find them hiding around our wetlands?! Search our site with friends and family and have fun finding them hidden amongst their real life duck friends.

17 - 18 April - Botanic Garden, Durham Easter Chick Hunt Easter Chicks are hiding in the Garden.

Pick up your spotter sheet and see how many you can find in this fun family event.

Self-led activity.

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FAMILY FUN

Get out and about for #FREEfamilyfun in the North East

Give the gift of confidence in 2022

Angel of the North, Gateshead With its prime location, on a panoramic hilltop by the A1, the Angel of the North has become one of the most famous artworks in the region. The Angel of the North is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, however, be aware there are no toilets.

The last few years have been challenging but there’s no better time than now to help your child build back confidence and learn new life skills.

Discovery Museum, Newcastle Newcastle’s Discovery Museum is the ideal place to find out all about life in Tyneside, from the region’s shipbuilding heritage to inventions which changed the world, and embodies the spirit of the people. Packed full of interesting collections and interactive displays it is the perfect place for all ages to learn and have fun.

Durham Cathedral There’s something for everyone to enjoy here, whether you’re seeking space for reflection and prayer, a family-friendly day out, or to explore history on your doorstep.

Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle The Laing brings the biggest names in historic, modern and contemporary art to Newcastle. Entry is free but admission charges apply to some exhibitions.

Northumberlandia, The Lady of the North Northumberlandia is a free community park, with a stunning human landform sculpture of a reclining lady as the centrepiece.

Made of 1.5 million tonnes of rock, clay and soil, she is 100 feet high and a quarter of a mile long.

Redcar Beacon Standing at 80ft high and with seven floors, the Redcar Beacon offers visitors the chance to enjoy 360 degree views of Redcar seafront.

Rising Sun Country Park, North Tyneside The Rising Sun Country Park is a green oasis of 162 hectares, set in the heart of North Tyneside. Boasting a nature reserve with ponds, woodlands and extensive grasslands, a farm and Countryside Centre, the site is a haven for wildlife and an ideal place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

Saltwell Park, Gateshead Nestled in the heart of Gateshead, Saltwell Park is one of Britain’s finest examples of a Victorian park and a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy. There’s lots of things to see and do for the family. As well as the magical dene and large picnic area, the park is also home to two play areas, Pet’s Corner with its two aviaries, rabbits and guinea pigs and the William Wailes’ maze.

Razzamataz Newcastle is part of a national network of schools whose motto for 2022 is ‘give the gift of confidence’. Razzamataz specialises is building students’ self-belief, resilience, and life skills. Through classes in dance, drama, and singing, Newcastle’s children and young people have the opportunity to make lifelong friends and have incredible experiences. This month, the students have started work on their 2022 showcase ‘Into the Spotlight!’, which will be performed in July at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House. If that isn’t exciting enough, some students are also about to start rehearsals for a performance at the West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre next February!

“The Razz team are incredible!” says Melissa, parent of one of Razzamataz’s ‘Seniors’ students. “My daughter has grown into a confident young woman who thrives on performing. She feels at home with her Razz family, and as a parent so do I. Such a friendly, happy place to be. My daughter has been with Razz for five years now and the opportunities she’s had have been amazing! I’m so grateful to the Razz staff and team. You’re all amazing!”

What do the students have to say? Daisy, 11, says “I love Razzamataz because it’s helped me make many new friends and boosted my confidence. The teachers are all so kind and make Razz so much fun. I love Razz very much and it’s the highlight of my week!”

Whether your child wants to be a Broadway star, or just have fun and make friends, the benefits of performing arts classes are endless. Leadership, problem-solving, resilience, and creativity are among the many skills that students develop during their classes.

The school was recently named runner-up in the ‘Best Children’s Class’ category at the Families North East Awards 2021. Judging the awards, child development expert Dr Amanda Gummer said “What stands out for me about Razzamataz Theatre Schools Newcastle is the inclusivity. The staff are a skilled team with real-life experience, so they can pass on both their knowledge and passion to children.”.

On top of their regular Saturday classes, Razzamataz Newcastle are excited to be launching a new mid-week ‘Razz Tots’ class for 2-3 year-olds next month, bring the joy of music and movement to even more families!

Anybody who is interested in finding out more is invited to a free taster session! All you have to do is email newcastle@razamataz.co.uk or visit www.newcastle.razzamataz.co.uk!

South Shields Museum and Art Gallery The Museum & Art Gallery has been in the heart of the borough for 150 years. The museum reveals the story of South Tyneside: the trials, tribulations and jubilation of resilient, vibrant people.

Features historical galleries, an art gallery, live animals, cafe and gift shop. With a changing exhibition and events programme.

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens Discover the history of Sunderland. The Art Gallery features the largest collection of works by painter L S Lowry outside of Salford. With Victorian masterpieces and artefacts from the 4 corners of the world, live animals, and the stunning Winter Gardens stimulate the senses with over 2,000 flowers and plants.

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Families North East Magazine 15

Make an Easter birds nest!

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Cut out and Keep

Spring is springing and the birds are nesting.

So why not take the time to get crafty with the kids and help them make their own bird’s nest for Easter. Once you have gathered all of the pieces, you can put together your bird’s nest in no time.

Your child will love developing new skills as they explore making, sticking and creating.

Once the nest is complete, why not go on a walk and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring and see if you can spot birds’ nests in the trees?

You will need: • • •

Paper plate Brown paper squares Brown shredded paper

• • •

Feathers Wiggling eyes Bird cut outs (see below)

Instructions:

Step 1:

Cut the paper plate in half.

With one half, cut out a semicircle.

Step 2:

Cover both halves in brown paper.

Step 3:

Add the brown shredded paper to the half with the semi-circle cut out.

Step 4:

Step 5:

Then cut out the blue and yellow circles with the bird beaks in them and stick into the nest.

Step 6:

Add the wiggly eyes and feathers to the birds.

And, ta da, your nest is complete!

Stick the two pieces together, the half with the shredded paper on it on top of the other (so it makes a nest).

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With thanks to Karen Allen, co-owner of Kidzplay Playbox for this craft activity. Kidzplay Playbox produces creative playboxes which are guaranteed to be fun and contain high quality, engaging activities. Visit www.kidzplay.co.uk for playboxes delivered to your door.

16 Families North East Magazine

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