Families North Yorkshire May/Jun 2021 100th Issue

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Familiesonline.co.uk Issue 100 May/June 2021

May/June 2021 Familiesonline.co.uk May/June 1 familiesonline.co.uk

The

Mount School York

SPACE TO LEARN SPACE TO THRIVE SPACE TO BE OW WE KN N CA GIRLS

At The Mount campus providing

School we benefit girls with a safe

“The care my daughter received during lockdown and since returning to school is just amazing.”

Current parent

from a spacious and secure place

16 acre to learn.

Arrange a visit to come and explore mountschoolyork.co.uk An exceptional education for girls *The Mount School York judged excellent in ISI Inspection.

2 May/June

www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

100 Issues!

In This Issue 6

Education

11

Summer fun

17

Work

20 Health 21

Holidays

26 Father’s Day 28 Home improvement 30 Family life 31 Early years 32 Food

CONTENTS

Hello readers As the world opens up again, we have so many ideas for early summer fun in this issue, it’s jam packed! We have ideas for sprucing up your garden, renovating your child’s bedroom, UK holiday special, Father’s Day gift ideas and ideas for birthday parties...no doubt eagerly awaited and belated.

I am also absolutely delighted to be celebrating our 100th issue of Families North Yorkshire with you, our readers and followers! Like so many other small businesses, we have ridden the difficult and turbulent COVID-19 storm over the past 12 months and are happy to be emerging stronger 1st I and better. ssu

e!

33 Birthday parties Editor, Families North Yorkshire Magazine

Get in Touch 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.

Familiesonline.co.uk

E – editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk T – 07794909820 FB @FamiliesNYMag Twitter @FamiliesNYMag

Competition Winners from our Jan/Feb issue Congratulations to Joanne Long and Jennifer Vlodyka who received subscription boxes of their choice.

May/June 3

Get Outdoors + Find Your Wellbeing SPRING / SUMMER at HAREWOOD

SAVE AN EXTRA 10% with code SPRINGFAMILIES when you book and visit before 4 July.*

Registered charity in England no 517753 *Standard terms & conditions (see website) apply, day visit only; offer not valid on event days.

4 May/June

With exciting outdoor installations and a brand new circular walk, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Harewood. Get back to outdoor family fun this Spring.

Online booking essential harewood.org Familiesonline.co.uk

LOCAL NEWS

Pocklington Prep School launches future focused curriculum – The Curiosity Project

Pocklington Prep School’s new curriculum ‘The Curiosity Project’ is designed to develop vital skills such as independent thinking, critical analysis and teamwork.

The new curriculum will prepare pupils not only for their next steps in education but for their futures as innovators, collaborators, leaders and more.

READ MORE

York Festival of Ideas 8-20 June 2021

York Festival of Ideas promises to spark children’s imaginations with lots of FREE hands-on activities, both in person and online. Discover why volcanoes erupt, make a brain hat, explore nature in our cities, experiment with bubbles, and try your hand at origami – plus much, much more!

Don’t miss the exciting Festival launch event featuring a special reading of A Song of Gladness by acclaimed children’s author Michael Morpurgo, as well as family-friendly talks on spaceflight and the science of Harry Potter. For those wishing to stay active, look out for some amazing self-guided and guided city walking trails including Trailblazing York and Science Tour of York. Offering a fun way to learn more about the incredible city of York and its people, the trails are suitable for all ages. To find out more, check out Bags of Creativity at yorkfestivalofideas.com.

The Mount School Nets Elite Netball

The UK’s newest Netball academy is partnering with York’s only allgirl School to offer an exciting new programme for local netballers of all abilities. Elite Netball Academy, which was launched in June 2020 by former Leeds Rhinos’ Netball coach and England Pathway selector, Anna Carter, will hold weekly coaching sessions at The Mount School York, the all-girl Quaker school.

READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 5

EDUCATION

Life skills beyond the classroom How many of these skills does your child have? Help them learn with these great instructional videos.

Touch typing

Repairing a bicycle puncture

Dialling 999

Basic sewing

Making a bed

Pitching a tent

Tying a shoe lace

Performing a shout and signal rescue

Managing money

6 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate An Excellent rated (ISI) school welcoming children aged 3 months to 19 years.

The No.1 performing independent secondary school in the North of England (QE College).

Sunday Times Schools Guide 2020

Call to arrange a socially distanced private tour from 17 May. Visit www.qe.org for details.

“To be the best that I can, with the gifts that I have.”

Familiesonline.co.uk

www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS

May/June 7

EDUCATION

I don’t want to be THAT parent…..

Making science fun for kids

By Annabel Gray

By Oli Ryan

In my Facebook group Ask a Teacher, we always have a number of members stating that they don’t want to be ‘that’ parent with regard to expressing their concerns to teachers. I’m here, as a teacher, to tell you why teachers actually WANT you to be ‘that’ parent!

READ MORE

Scientific processes happen all around us daily – just waiting to be discovered by curious, young scientists. Explore science with your kids outdoors, in the kitchen and even at bath time.

Experiment with butter churning, toilet paper chromatography and making a rain gauge.

READ MORE

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8 May/June

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EDUCATION

Addressing Post-Covid Learning Loss

By Emma Martin As our worlds slowly open back up and children are in school once again, for many parents a key question will be how they can support their child’s learning postCovid.

There has been much in the news about children being ‘behind’ and needing to ‘catch up.’ However, just as important is their emotional wellbeing, in particular connection, play, making sense of the world and resilience. By focusing on mental health, we can help our children to be in the best possible place to learn.

Re-build and strengthen connections Children do need to catch up this summer – but to catch up with friends and family. Social connections have been hugely impacted by the pandemic, so it is important that we give children the time and space they need to enjoy being social again (and not just via a screen!). By giving time to rebuilding social connections, parents will be helping their child to feel good about themselves and to practice all the skills they need to help them get on with others in a positive way.

Making sense of experiences One of the most important things parents can do this summer is to help children make sense of the pandemic so they don’t store Familiesonline.co.uk

concerns. We can do this by helping them to share the challenges and successes of their own ‘Covid story’ through conversations, role play or painting and drawing. Read Emma’s suggestions for helping your child process the pandemic.

Bella Learning Games

Fun educational games to download, print and play.

Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 Packs

Available Now!

For examples, tips and advice, find Bella Learning Games on Facebook and Instagram.

www.bellalearning.co.uk May/June 9

EDUCATION

Addressing Post-Covid Learning Loss Cont...

Let’s play!

With opportunities limited during lockdown, by giving children the opportunity to play we can help them to develop their social, emotional and cognitive skills. Most importantly, play helps children to have positive thoughts about themselves which is exactly what we need to encourage right now.

Nurture resilience Many people have commented on how resilient children have been during this tumultuous time.

Whether your child has ridden the rollercoaster with ease or found it more challenging, placing a focus on problem solving and resilience is a sure-fire way to help your child make progress at school. One way to support your child’s ability to bounce back when things get tricky is to spend quality time doing an activity of their choice with them, whether it’s playdoh, kicking a ball about or playing a board game.

By doing so, you are giving them a sense of safety and letting them know you are there for them.

Let’s prioritise their wellbeing Think back to your own childhood and the things you enjoyed – being free to play, being yourself and being with friends. Let’s not give our children the message they are ‘behind,’ but instead celebrate their wonderful achievements during this tricky time.

Emma Martin is an educational psychologist employed full-time

by E-ACT multi-academy trust.

She supports the trust’s primary academies in Bristol and is coauthor of its national Relationships and Recovery Curriculum.

Make it Your Story Pre Prep Adventure Morning - Friday 28 May

Call 01845 575040 Exceptional day and boarding school between Ripon and Thirsk for girls aged 4 -16 with a co-educational Pre Prep.

10 May/June

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SUMMER FUN

TryOut a week at residential summer camp for just £295!

This summer any child ages 9 to 15, who has never attended a residential summer camp can stay at a TryOut camp, run by experienced providers, for just £295 for a week (including accompanied travel). The initiative is organised by The Summer Camps Trust to help share with children the joys of summer camp.

Camps take place at Nettlecombe Court, a magnificent Field Studies Centre in beautiful grounds near Taunton, Somerset from 8-15 August and at Camp Redwood, a fabulous tented camp in the heart of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire from 15-21 August.

Recent UK attendees comment: ‘It was the best week of my life so far’, ‘My leader made me feel happy and safe just like my mum would do’.

Parents said: ‘She came home with so many friends and memories and having had so much fun’ and ‘It was the happiest I have ever seen him’.

Get ready for games of all kinds.

Explore areas of wood, hills and countryside. Enjoy tracking activities, unravel mysteries and stimulate the imagination.

Participate in entertainment, songs and stories around the camp fire.

Sleep under the stars, climb or enjoy water activities. Or relax and chat in the sun. Leave screens and peer pressures behind, reconnect with the natural world and with being a child again. Exactly what our children need right now.

So don’t delay, find out why summer camp is the best week of the year for millions of children worldwide. More information and booking. Or, for a brochure, email chris@summercampstrust.org

Attend a TryOut camp totally FREE! 6 places available

APPLY HERE

T&Cs

Being part of a small group, looked after by a well-trained 18 or 19 year-old leader who is like an older brother or sister, can be a unique experience and help children grow in confidence, social skills and positivity.

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 11

SUMMER FUN

Summer camp booking: what to ask General

What is the daily routine?

What should my child wear?

What happens if it rains (outside camps)?

What does my child need to bring?

Will my child be able to re-fill their water bottle?

What is the sunscreen policy?

What if my child needs extra help?

Can I get some feedback on my child’s day?

Can a friend or extended family member collect my child?

Can I find out how my child’s day is going? Will I be able to contact my child if necessary?

Your child’s safety

Is the camp Ofsted registered and where can I view the report?

What are the camp’s policies on safeguarding, bullying, health and safety?

Will any applicable Covid-19 guidelines be followed?

What happens if a child or staff member tests positive for Covid-19?

How many children are there on a camp?

How many in each group?

What age group will my child be in?

What is the staff/child ratio?

Will my child have a key worker?

We have outdoor toys to give away!

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Ey up Leeds.

Been a while.

Plan a day out at one of our eight museums & galleries across Leeds and we’ll keep the kids entertained for you. Now that’s a great idea.

museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 13

Discover an amazing day out at Lotherton • • •

Visit Wildlife World to see the penguins Explore the Museum and see the Making Japan exhibition Play outdoors and stop by the café to refuel

Pre-book your tickets on our website lotherton.leeds.gov.uk

14 May/June

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SUMMER FUN

Making the most of the summer

By Claire Winter Summer is almost here - time to start planning fun family activities!

Book it! Most venues will have a booking system to avoid overcrowding and to ensure Covid-compliance.

Book and arrive early.

Less is more. Don’t over schedule.

You will have become accustomed to less stimulation. Brainstorm quieter places to visit, or plan events on alternate days/weekends.

Don’t forget the food…. Don’t get stuck in long food queues. Hungry kids and ‘hangry’ parents don’t mix. Take a packed lunch and snacks.

Enjoy the spontaneous. After months of restrictions, embrace spontaneity again. Why not take a day trip to the seaside or visit somewhere new?

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Go to a movie. Get lost in another world as cinemas reopen. There are lots of new films due for release this month.

Visit museums and galleries Why not research a weird and wonderful museum like the Dog Collar Museum in Leeds Castle to visit? It’s perfect for all dog lovers!

Take a day trip Head off the beaten track. You could visit stunning lavender fields in the Surrey Downs or the Yorkshire Sculpture Park?

Go to a local event What’s on in your local area?

It’s good to support your local community. Invite your friends and family to join you.

Enjoy subscriber-only giveaways & offers!

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May/June 15

SUMMER FUN

Outdoor toys for summer We asked our friends at The Good Toy Guide to put together their recommendations. You can read reviews of each toy on their site.

Walkie Talkies

Kidnoculars

Diditrike

5 in 1 Outdoor Measure Mate

Paint-a-Puzzle

First Weather Science Kit

Hop Skip Jump

Discovery Adventures Metal Detector

The JUNKO Kits

16 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

WORK

I don’t want to return to my workplace…

By Mandy Garner As lockdown eases, you may find yourself under increasing pressure from your employer to return to the workplace. For some, this will be a welcome relief; for others, a source of stress. If it’s the latter, what are your options?

Firstly, if your reluctance to return to your workplace is due to concerns about safety, it’s important to know that, while government guidance on working from home is likely to change, businesses will still have to show they are Covid-secure.

You can report a business to the Health & Safety Executive if you are worried.

any legitimate concerns of your employer.

Firstly, you need to consider what works best for you and your family.

If you have school-aged children and little wraparound care available, hybrid working means you can get the benefits of both face to face contact and remote working and One of the outcomes of the pandemic is that previously resistant still be around at least part of the week to do the school run. But employers have seen that remote there are also other considerations, working is effective, although including your own motivation. Can remote working through Covid-19 has been far from normal. For many, you easily stay motivated when working alone? it’s been much more isolating and difficult.

Once you have established how you want to work, think through how So your employer may be open this might affect your colleagues, to discussing with you different your ability to do your job and your ways of working. Many businesses career prospects. Whilst many jobs are anticipating greater hybrid can be done remotely, different jobs working, with people working lend themselves to different forms of some days from home and some in the workplace. Others may need flexible working. more persuasion. It’s important to Read more about remote working be clear about what you want, to options and getting the most out of think through the possible impact hybrid working. on your colleagues and to address Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 17

HEALTH

My Ways to Feel Better Poster

Help your children to handle difficult feelings. Download and pin up this poster from Partnership for Children with ideas to help them feel better.

DOWNLOAD POSTER HERE 18 May/June

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Exclusive subscriber-only game giveaway!

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May/June 2021

IT’S FREE Magazine May/June 19

HEALTH

Overcoming emotional eating

Staying sun safe this summer

By Pranita Salunke

By Dr Sweta Rai

Struggling with the kind of pressure the last year has delivered can create stress in the body. One of the results can be falling victim to emotional eating - eating beyond hunger, to comfort or reward ourselves.

So how can you overcome this problem?

READ MORE

Summer often means spending more family time outdoors. So it’s important to be aware of the risks of over-exposure to the sun and how best to protect your skin and that of your loved ones.

This applies even when outside in the UK. READ MORE

For all ages 0-Adult

Swim shop selling baby wet suits, re-usable swim nappys & nappy covers NEW inclusive classes for all abilities 1:1, 2:1 or group at Cawood & Bubwith

Cawood Park, Ryther Road, Cawood, Selby YO8 3TT Willow Lodge, Brighton Road, Bubwith Yo8 6DQ Weighton Wold pool, Beverley Road, Market Weighton, YO43 4NE 20 May/June

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HOLIDAYS

Family-friendly UK city breaks We’ve picked nine top UK cities with heaps on offer for families. So start planning your trip now!

London

Cardiff

Bristol

Manchester

Edinburgh

Southampton

Oxford

York

Norwich

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 21

HOLIDAYS

Win a family holiday with Away WIN Resorts!

Win a three or four night stay for four people in luxury accommodation at an Away Resorts park of your choice.

Fall in love with a new type of holiday at one of its fabulous UK locations - where your accommodation is off-the-scale amazing and new experiences abound. Explore the New Forest at Sandy Balls, go wakeboarding at Tattershall Lakes or hit the golf course at Boston West, both in Lincolnshire. Sample the local cuisine at Mersea Island, soak up the sun beachside or mountainside at Barmouth Bay in Wales, discover the new-look Hayling Island gem, Mill Rythe, or enjoy a bucket-and-spade holiday at Whitecliff Bay on the glorious Isle of Wight.

ENTER HERE. T&Cs.

School holiday camps full of adventure Childr en aged 3-14

0113 4830280 www.united-education.co.uk 22 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

HOLIDAYS

Top tips for a great camping holiday Before you go….

Have a packing list Turning up with tired, hungry kids and no tent pegs isn’t funny! Pack eye masks, earplugs, hats, socks and blankets. Invest in a thick self-inflating mat (SIM).

Don’t rely on Sat Nav/Google Maps Phone signal can be unreliable and can take you to the wrong place. Pack a paper map and compass (that you know how to use!)

Plan your meals Take ingredients with you. This avoids last minute panics and unnecessary spending in on-site shops. Take plenty of snacks!

When you are there…

Don’t break the rules Camping involves sharing the peace and quiet of the countryside with others. Keep the noise down and be respectful, especially at night.

Don’t leave food unattended It will attract unwanted animals.

Tidy up outside your tent before spending the day exploring or going to sleep.

Don’t leave a trace Leave the campsite as you found it. Take your rubbish with you or use on-site bins and dedicated recycling stations; Put out your campfire.

Making it cheaper…

Borrow equipment, buy second hand, rent a tent from Tentshare A great idea if this is your first trip… and it may be your last!

Take your own duvets, pillows and blankets They may be more comfortable than sleeping bags.

Book outside of peak season With the right clothes, autumn is a great time to camp.

Collect wood If cooking on a campfire, do this when you arrive. It’s likely to be cheaper than buying firewood at the campsite.

Buy a portable grill Cheaper than numerous disposable BBQ’s and better for the environment.

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 23

HOLIDAYS

The perfect weekend away We’ve found some top UK days out in areas of the country that have lots to offer families. Perfect options for an overnight or weekend stay.

Llechwedd Slate Cavern

The Needles Chairlift

Peppa Pig World

Overnight on the Isle of Wight.

Overnight in the New Forest or Southampton.

Legoland

Overnight in Windsor or Maidenhead.

Bewilderwood

Overnight in North Norfolk.

The Eden Project

Jorvik Viking Centre

Bram Stoker’s Dracula Experience

Dinosaurland Fossil Museum

Overnight in York.

24 May/June

Overnight in Whitby.

Overnight in Snowdonia.

Overnight in South Cornwall.

Overnight on the Jurassic Coast.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Your ride, Your Print

Your run, Your Print

Commemorate your ride and run adventures with a personalised high-quality print All our prints are completely unique; with your route and your ride or run data. You can choose the data to display as well, including that key climb or your race position.

Aimee on 21 Feb, 2021 “Amazing! Lovely company & quality item. My dad loved it!” www.raceink.co.uk & find us on Etsy too!

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 25

FATHER’S DAY

ASDA PHOTO GIFTS for FATHER’s DAY There are busy dads and fun dads, sporty dads and geeky dads, happy dads and grumpy dads, but they all have one thing in common: they’re the best dad in the world! So, make this Father’s Day a day to remember and create a personalised photo gift that shows real thought and leaves a lasting impression.

Mouse Mat

Desk Art

Wash Bags

Towels

Mugs

Coasters

Canvas prints

Aprons

Aluminium prints

26 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

FATHER’S DAY

DIY Father’s Day gift ideas Help your child make something special for Dad this Father’s Day.

Lego photo pen holder

Scribble mug

Dad Rocks paperweight

Zig-zag Father’s Day card

Keepsake box

Printable Father’s Day book

Remote caddy

Dad’s special supper

Father’s Day card

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 27

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Top tips for sprucing up your garden

By Svetlana Blakeley-Sargeant The simple joy of being able to entertain in the garden is something we’ll definitely never take for granted again! But what if your garden isn’t quite up to the job?

Our tips will help you: Set the scene for new plant life; Rekindle your love affair with your lawn; Vertically ‘green up’ a small, urban garden; Use container gardening for quick transformation; Transform an uninspiring garden; Embrace sustainability; Enjoy family-orientated garden activities and ideas.

Set the scene for new plant life Start with a good garden clean up. Remove dead plants and

winter weeds like chickweed and bittercress, prepare your flower beds and improve the soil. Give your trees and shrubs a trim and tidy up your hedges.

Rekindle your love affair with your lawn Lawns act as a contrast to colourful blooms and focal evergreens and offer an inviting play area for your kids. De-thatch, aerate, and address weeds and bald patches. Overseed your lawn if needed and feed it with a slow-release fertiliser. Mow regularly.

READ MORE Outdoor accessories for summer

ONLINE FINE ART CLASSES

For children aged 5-18 (and adults) Imaginative skills and technique based, two way tuition in small groups FREE class available (Quote FMN21) Sibling discounts and other member benefits apply

Garden gazebo

Outdoor pizza oven

Outdoor kitchen

Picnic table

Let them develop a love of art that will last a lifetime!

E: blankcanvasartclub@gmail.com to find out more BlankCanvasArtClub blankcanvas.art.club

28 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Renovating your child’s room

By Claire Winter With countless interior trends online, paired with your child’s ideas for their room, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to home improvement. How do you combine practical with exciting?

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Claim £10 off your first booking with Fantastic Services!

Use code FANTASTICFAMILY10 when you register and create an account HERE Be it help with the house, garden, or any other domestic service, Fantastic Services is the place to find help. With an easy online booking process and live quotation, home maintenance becomes easy. Same and next day visits. 7 days a week. Fixed price.

READ MORE

t

Design themes Practicality Homework/play space Storage Colour and design trends Unique bedroom ideas – including

Design themes This year has seen a strong desire for escapism, using exoticallydesigned items and location wallpapers to transport us to other countries or worlds. Children will definitely enjoy a star-gazing galaxy above their heads when they go to bed, or an ocean-themed wall so they can imagine the whooshing of the sea lapping up to shore.

These kinds of themes keep their imagination and dreams fuelled.

in

Here’s how to create smiles all round, considering:

space savers, wall art, plants and DIY items

Fa

During the pandemic, there has undoubtedly been a shift in the way many of us approach home living.

Not only do we need functional and zoom-friendly spaces for us as adults, but we need safe and welcoming spaces for our children.

IN THIS ISSUE

Activities Tips/Advice Days Out familiesonline.c o.uk

May/June 29

FAMILY LIFE

a Postnatal Maternity Nurse for 20 years, supporting them in the early weeks with their newborn, I see first hand what a shock to the system it is for them, in every way. I also see the positive effect establishing a gentle routine in the early days can have for all concerned.

What is a Sleep Consultant?

A Sleep Consultant works with parents and children to help establish better sleep patterns and routines. We do this by providing bespoke sleep plans and giving guidance and support tailored to their situation. Parents approach a Sleep Consultant when they are experiencing difficulties with their child’s sleep, often when they have exhausted all other options.

My method of working is holistic and bespoke to your situation and parenting style. When setting up a sleep plan for a little one, I take into account their temperament, average sleep needs for their age, sleep environment and daily routine.

Sometimes just a few simple changes to the daily routine is all that is required.

What About Crying?

There is a misconception that ‘sleep training’ involves putting your child to bed, closing the door and leaving them to cry it out. While that is a known strategy, it is an outdated one and is not something I advocate. However, the truth is that when you are making changes to a routine, it is inevitable there will Beyond Sleep be some protest crying. Babies and young children quickly get used An unhealthy sleep routine can to things being done a particular affect a child’s behaviour and way (exactly the reason why a development as well as causing good routine works well) and so sleep deprivation for parents, resulting in negative effects on their if you change their routine, they will complain. However, they will personal and working life. Sleep quickly get used to a new and better is so important for overall health routine, and everyone will reap the - mental, emotional and physical. benefits.

New parents accept that with the arrival of a baby comes sleepless nights. Working with new parents as READ MORE 30 May/June

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EARLY YEARS

Helping pre-schoolers re-engage with each other

By Sarah Mundy Yesterday I was on the beach playing with my 3 year old son when a little girl ran up. She was interested in his toys, got straight in there, and then tried to give him a hug!

Her awareness of personal space, even by pre-Covid standards, was non-existent and her excitement at seeing another child was simultaneously heart-breaking and warming. Her father explained that she had barely socialised with any children over the last year.

Definitive evidence around the impact of lockdown on young children is yet to emerge. However, many parents are concerned about the lack of social experiences their children have had. They have missed out on things like toddler classes which help them learn the skill of being with others.

In the early years, a child’s key relationship with their primary caregiver frames their view of themselves and the world around them. When secure, it acts as a buffer to adversity, meaning that children who have been doing okay at home will feel more able to confidently explore the world again, despite being potentially behind socially.

Despite this, it wouldn’t be surprising if children are behind Familiesonline.co.uk

socially. By age 3, children actively seek to play with peers, but they need help in navigating social situations. Friendships can be complex and children need to learn about managing disagreements, understanding feelings (theirs and others), taking-turns, listening and co-operating.

So, how do we support our children to feel ready to go back to preschool and help them (re)learn social skills?

READ MORE

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May/June 31

FOOD

Family-friendly al fresco dining recipes Get the family into the kitchen to help prepare some perfect food for eating outside.

Sticky chicken drumsticks

Easy traditional lemonade

Nutella fairy bread

Rainbow Jam tarts

Cheesy spinach muffins

Super sausage rolls

Layered rainbow salad pots

Child-friendly hummus with crudites

Simple tuna salad with pasta

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Familiesonline.co.uk

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Party ideas for different ages

By Simone Ryder If, despite a year without socialising, you are a parent who feels that party planning is yet another of the daunting challenges to be faced on the hazardous path to parenting success, then read on….

Love or hate party planning, we hope this thumbnail guide will help you on the road to a successful event

co-operating. Keep the party to about ninety minutes to avoid overstimulation. By age four, children Age 1-2 are full of energy and imagination, Your child’s first party is your which makes them wonderful celebration – the anniversary of partygoers. Plan short games and becoming a parent. Your 1 year old will have no idea what’s going on, so keep things moving as they may you can make this a celebration for still find it hard to wait their turn.

Treasure and scavenger hunts work adults only, if you prefer. well but many parents opt for soft Two year old can catapult from play venues or similar to allow little excitement to temper tantrum ones to burn off energy. Entertainers in minutes — so you need to at your home or hired venue are be prepared. Most age twos also popular. Plan for a party of one are still very possessive of their to two hours. toys so do put away your child’s favourite things beforehand. And Age 5-6 avoid opening gifts at the party Five year olds know parties are very since most of the guests won’t important and may have all sorts of understand they can’t just take the wonderful (and wild) suggestions birthday child’s new things home! about the event. Theme parties Organised games aren’t really work well at this age. Children are necessary since children still play usually ready for games that involve independently at this age. instruction like Hokey Cokey and Simon Says. They are acquiring Age 3-4 fine motor skills necessary to use Now your child is likely to be scissors and string beads so they’re familiar with celebrations. Singing and circle activities work better than ready for simple crafts too. Plan for a party of about two hours. group games as they will usually enjoy playing with other children More ages and stages. briefly but may still have trouble Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 33

Birthday Party Countdown Planner

Plan your party the easy way using our cut-out planner and checklist!

3 months before

6 weeks before

4 weeks before

★ Set a budget and a date

★ Send out a ‘save the date’ by email

★ Prepare invitations

★ Make a guest list

★ Pick your theme

★ Book a venue/ entertainer

★ Plan the party food you wish to order

★ Buy/make party decorations ★ Order cake

✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸✸ TIP

TIP

TIP

TIP

Don’t forget cost of venue, party entertainment, food and decorations.

Popular options may need to be booked even earlier!

Ask for an RSVP.

Choose a theme your child loves.

1-2 weeks before

1-3 days before

★ Sort out the party bags

★ Buy party food

★ Plan party games ★ Send out reminder by email

★ Pick up cake ★ Write list/timings for party day

✸ ✸ ✸ TIP

TIP

TIP

Allow research time and get the birthday boy or girl to help.

Don’t just leave this to chance.

Roughly plan enough games to last for at least half the party.

Reconfirm party food if ordered from a supplier.

34 May/June

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

TIP

TIP

Get your child to hand out invites at school/ nursery.

Decorations can make or break the party vibe!

Party Day

✸

Enjoy the day and take lots of pictures!

TIP

Leave plenty of time to get to the venue…

Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Helping your child make friends

Your Child’s Relationship Legacy

By Poppy O’Neill

By Neil Wilkie

Rejection, big life changes, sensitivity and shyness can impact children’s ability to make or keep friends. Without guidance, they can feel baffled by friendship up and downs.

What techniques can parents use to help their children build fulfilling social lives?

READ MORE

Who teaches us how to have a loving and fulfilling relationship with another person? How parents relate to their children in the first three years, will shape their attachment style and influence their relationships for what is likely to be the rest of their lives.

READ MORE

Two homes – the practicalities

Foster care: are you eligible?

Over the years at Only Mums & Only Dads, we’ve heard many separating parents express their concerns about their children having two homes.

How will everyone cope? What can be done to make it easier for everyone? We have some answers to these questions and others.

READ MORE

Foster Care Fortnight® organised by The Fostering Network, runs from 11 to 24 May. It raises awareness of fostering and celebrates the fostering community. There are some common myths and misconceptions about who can or can’t foster. Let’s attempt to clear some of these up.

READ MORE

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 35

Holiday Camps

Purple Pages Directory

Razzamataz, York York based classes in all Performing Arts – dance, drama and singing.

Contact Us

The Little Gym, York, Harrogate & Leeds From 4 months to 12 years –classes, camps and parties Contact Us

United Education Holiday day camp provider for children aged 3-14 yrs.

Contact Us

Total Sports, York, Harrogate & Knaresborough Popular Holiday club for all ages. Contact Us Travel

Clubs & Classes

Badapple Theatre Company, Youth Theatre, Green Hammerton Badapple Theatre Company, Youth Theatre, Green Hammerton Theatre on your doorstep, including youth theatre and holiday clubs.

Contact Us

36 May/June

Baby Swimmers, York, Harrogate & Pocklington Swimming classes for babies, toddlers and older children.

Contact Us

The Hive, Bridlington South Shore Modern, clean, 3-year-old holiday accommodation located on a family holiday village Contact Us Law

Little Stars Swimming, Selby Swimming classes for all ages and abilities.

Contact Us

Bridge Employment law, York, Leeds, Hull No nonsense jargon and free advice; support through every step of the process.

Contact Us Familiesonline.co.uk

YORK

NOW OPEN! CLASSES, PARTIES & CAMPS - 4 MTHS-12YRS TRY US OUT! For every stage of your child’s development, the little gym offers a diverse line up of classes, camps and parties filled with movement, music, learning and laughter for boys and girls.

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 37