FR EE IN THIS ISSUE
Summer activities Clubs & classes Parenting
Lots of giveaways for our readers in this issue! Magazine
July/August 2022
Familiesonline.co.uk
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Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 1
CONTENTS
Get in touch EDITOR: Heather Waddington T: 01923 237 004 E: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk P.O. Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF LISTINGS AND FEATURES EDITOR: Anna Blackshaw E: Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk WWW.FAMILIESNWLONDON.CO.UK
Where is Families North West London?
In this issue 4 7 8 10 14 17 20 23 28 30 32 33 34
Summer family fun What’s on Children’s theatre Summer activities Summer camps Clubs & classes Parenting Back to school Holidays Screen-free kids’ fun Summer food Toys Crafts
Competition winners from our March/April issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list here.
2 July/August
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Intensive Vocational Musical Theatre Week Harrow Arts Centre 25th-29th July Ages 14-21 £275 Workshops & West End Masterclasses
Jellyfish Theatre presents
Book your place online at SharpeAcademy.co.uk /summer-2022
Joyful Outdoor Theatre Show
Musical In A Week
Saturday 16 July | 11am, 2pm & 5pm
Ages 4-8 | £8/£6 Concessions
www.harrowarts.com
Junior Musical Theatre Week The Jungle Book Kids Harrow Arts Centre 22nd-26th August Ages 6-14 £250 (Siblings £125) End-of-week Performance
UN
F ILY
M FA
CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM
Superheroes, Orphans & Origins:
Pre-book online and save £1 per ticket.
125 years in comics
MEDIEVAL JOUSTING 20 & 21 AUGUST Explore Chiltern Open Air Museum this summer and discover over 30 historic buildings including a 1940s prefab, Victorian tollhouse and working historic farm. Special events including: Viking Raid, Garden’s Day, Classic Vehicle Show, plus family crafts and activities.
Discover our free family workshops Free for under 21s Book online with code ENTRYFAM to receive 10% off admission foundlingmuseum.org.uk
New York World’s Fair Comics, Vol. 1 #2, Jack Burnley & ™ DC. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. Zenobia, 2016 Morten Dürr and Lars Horneman
Until 28 August 2022
www.coam.org.uk Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB. Familiesonline.co.uk
July/August 3
SUMMER FAMILY FUN
Founding Museum (WC1N)
Chiltern Open Air Museum (HP8)
Enter the world of superheroes and comics at the Foundling Museum, with their exhibition and family events. Superman. Batman, Spider-Man, Black Panther, X-Men, have you ever noticed they are all foundlings, orphans, adoptees, and foster children?
Everyday throughout the holidays there will be a trail and lots of special events at weekends including Viking Raids and Medieval Jousting.
The superheroes’ early life experiences impact on the stance they take over good and evil in their comic lives. Look beyond the traditional ‘superhero’ story in this exhibition exploring comics, graphic novels. There are also characters from early newspaper comic strips, Japanese Manga and contemporary graphic novels, with examples of international comics rarely exhibited in the UK, as well as three new artistic commissions by comic artists Asia Alfasi, Bex Glendining and Woodrow Phoe-nix. under 21s go free! MORE INFO HERE 4 July/August
Every Tuesday in August is a Terrific Tuesday at Chiltern Open Air Museum. These are themed craft and activity days organised by the Museum’s Learning Team. This summer’s themes will focus on nature and time travel and all activities are included within the standard admission price or free to annual pass holders!
MORE INFO HERE
Celtic Harmony (SG13) Stay Overnight in a Roundhouse! For an extra special adventure this summer, enjoy a one night overnight stay from 24 Jul to 7 Aug in the comfort of your own roundhouse at Celtic Harmony Camp, the Prehistory settlement located in a beautiful woodland setting. Each roundhouse is equipped with king size bed and single beds and all linen and towels provided! Enjoy a tasty BBQ dinner and explore the woods at night before roasting marshmallows and storytelling around the fire. Organise a special family gathering and enjoy the Camp to yourselves when you book all 6 roundhouses. MORE INFO HERE Familiesonline.co.uk
SUMMER FAMILY FUN
Summer Days Out Here’s our pick of some family days out to enjoy. Don’t forget to check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. Alexandra Palace (N22) The ice rink which is open year round, pitch and putt, soft play and the boating lake, Garden Centre and café. Bank of England Museum (EC2R) Explore F history. Travel REE through 300 years of history and discover the events and people that have shaped the Bank of England over the centuries. British Museum (WC1B) FREE Summer activities include designing a mask creating an Egyptian-themed family photo and exploring Roman history through Minecraft. Buckingham Palace – Changing of the Guard Immaculately FREE turned-out guards, precision drill and bands playing music all combine to Familiesonline.co.uk
Viking Raids and Medieval Jousting at Chiltern Open Air Museum
make this one of the most popular attractions. Discover Children’s Story Centre (E15) Two floors of immersive play spaces, where children can let their imagination roam. Ages 0-11. Gulliver’s Land (MK15) Thrilling rides, fun rides, family rides, indoor rides, attractions, shows and play areas. Kensington Gardens (W2) Head to Kensington FREE Gardens and you’ll find the Diana Memorial Playground, a free children’s wonderland
opened in memory of the late Princess. There is a sensory trail, teepees, a beach around the pirate ship and various toys and play sculptures; all set against a lush backdrop of trees and plants. Knebworth House and Gardens (SG3) Enjoy the famous Dinosaur Trail in the Wilderness Garden. There are swings, slides and play equipment and a zip wire and trim trail for grown-ups. London Bridge City – Summer by the River (SE1) Running until FREE 2 Sept, this years festival
is bringing 1930s Miami vibes to the banks of the Thames. Museum of London (EC2Y) & Museum of London Docklands (E14) Can you FREE help Riley Ratcliffe? She’s visiting the museum to learn about some of her ancestors on display and complete her family tree. Help her spot members of her furry family and find out what life was like in the past for these little Londoners with this fun, free trail around the museum galleries. Natural History Museum (SW7) Get up-close FREE with nature, discover fascinating creatures and intriguing science, and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities for curious kids and inquisitive parents.
July/August 5
SUMMER FAMILY FUN
Summer Days Out Here’s our pick of some family days out to enjoy. Don’t forget to check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. Parkside Farm Pick Your Own (EN2) Nearly 20 different fruits and vegetables are grown exclusively between June and October. Crops include strawberries, raspberries, beans and sweetcorn. Advanced booking required. Roald Dahl Museum (HP16) Come face-to-face with Fantastic Mr Fox, measure up to your Roald Dahl heroes, pull a power pose next to Matilda and discover Roald Dahl’s famous Writing Hut the, birthplace of your favourite characters.
food and try out arts and crafts. Royal Museums Greenwich (SE10) Every Saturday, Home to the Royal the Farm hosts a Farmer’s Market. Observatory Greenwich, the Tate Modern FREE iconic historic (SE1) sailing ship Cutty Sark, the National From 23 Jul to 29 Maritime Museum Aug, everyone is invited to and the Queen’s House Art Gallery. transform a completely white domestic Science FREE apartment into a Museum sea of colourful (SW7) dots. All ages. Explore the numerous Tower Bridge family-friendly (SE1) exhibitions, films, Enjoy a perfect day activities and out with the family, events at the with plenty of fun Science Museum things to do and this summer. Pre see inside Tower book online. Bridge. FREE Stepney City V&A Museum Farm (E1) of Childhood FREE A three-acre (E2) working farm. Enjoy free Have a chance to meet farm animals, activities every learn how to grow day. There are
hands-on making events and performances for all ages. Wicksteed Park (NN15) Along with 30 exciting rides and activities, there’s 147 acres of beautiful rolling parkland. Stay the night in the cosy campsite, wander round the woods, or jump aboard the narrow-gauge railway Willows Activity Farm (AL4) Summer Spectacular from 23 July - 4 Sept. Get lost in the Maize Maze, enjoy the NEW Puddle Play Park and have a splashing good time!
23 July to 7 August
Book your magical day out at: 6 July/August
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WHAT’S ON NEAR YOU IN JULY & AUGUST Summer Fun at Chiltern Open Air Museum
50+
family activities an d events
Download your free guide here Familiesonline.co.uk
July/August 7
WHAT’S ON
Children’s Summer Theatre Don’t forget to check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. The Alban Arena 01727 844488
The Beck Theatre 020 8561 8371
festivals across London this summer. Ages 3+
Sat 23–Sun 24 Jul In The Night Garden Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden!
Fri 5-Sun 7 Aug In The Night Garden... Live Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their fun-filled live show with costumes, magical puppets, and music.
Harrow Arts Centre 0208 416 8989
Wed 17 Aug Rapunzel Scott Ritchie Productions presents this exciting and fun tangled musical adventure!
Sat 16 Jul The Wagon of Dreams Jellyfish Theatre roll up with their joyful new outdoor show. Ages 3+.
Sat 6 Aug The Three Little Pigs Cadogan Hall An inclusive show for 020 7730 4500 ages 5–7 and children with speech, language Fri 29 Jul-Sun 21 Aug Sat 20–Sun 21 Aug Tiddler and Other Terrific and communication Peppa Pig’s Best Day needs. Tales – Live on Stage Ever Bursting at the seams Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show with live music, puppetry, Headstone Manor & Museum and laughs from Julia packed full of songs, 020 8863 6720 Donaldson and Axel games and laughter, it really is the best day ever Scheffler’s best-loved Mon 25 Jul titles. for Peppa Pig fans! Outdoor Theatre: Rapunzel Chickenshed Fri 26 Aug Let your hair down and 020 8292 9222 The Mad Hatter’s Tea get tangled in a brandParty new musical adaptation Sun 31 Jul-Sun 14 Aug Take a trip down the of the classic fairy tale! Children’s Festival of Fun proverbial rabbit hole with Ages 4+ Two weeks packed full Brother Wolf’s groundof fun events for children breaking adaptation of Little Angel Theatre ages 0-11 years. Visit the one of the most beloved 020 7226 1787 website for further details stories. Ages 8+ on events and dates. Until Sun 31 Jul Ages 0-11yrs Artsdepot I Want My Hat Back 020 8369 5454 Trilogy Wed 3-Sat 13 Aug All your favourites Cinderella in Boots Sat 23-Sun 24 Jul including Bear, Little Fish A unique modern Pirates and the Turtles will be spin on the classic Set your compass, lift making an appearance in Cinderella story, playing your anchor and set sail this one-of-a-kind trilogy. in Chickenshed’s Studio for an immersive family Ages 3-6. Theatre, parks and dining experience. 8 July/August
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WHAT’S ON
Children’s Summer Theatre Don’t forget to check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. Puppet Theatre Barge (16 Jul-18 Sep in Richmond TW10), 020 7249 6876 Sat 16 Jul–Sun 14 Aug The Hare and the Tortoise Expect lions and mice, spiders and cats – there are storms to be weathered and always a few morals to take away! Ages 3+. Wed 17 Aug–Sun 18 Sep The Three Pigs plus Captain Grimey Each pig has an air of mischief and naivety, while the wicked wolf has just a hint of a wry smile. Ages 3+. The Radlett Centre 01923 859291 Mon 25–Wed 27 Jul The Gruffalo Songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children. Ages 3+. Fri 29 Jul Pop Princesses Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits, plus all the best songs from all your favourite films and musicals. Tue 9 Aug Teddy Bears’ Picnic Back by popular demand Familiesonline.co.uk
the adorable, cuddly, cheeky Barney Bear. Thu 11 Aug Captain Calamity Science Explosion A brand new show full of stretchy slime, pop rockets, smoke rings, flying toilet roll, fountains of foam, cola can roulette and a bonanza of bombastic bubbles. Wed 24–Thu 25 Aug Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig - it’s going to be her best day ever! Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 0844 826 4242 Tue 12 Jul–Sun 28 Aug 101 Dalmatians Based on the classic
story, this new musical adaptation, packed with puppetry, is a perfect day. out Watersmeet 01923 711 063 Fri 5 Aug Pop Princesses A musical spectacular starring four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses who just love to sing! Sat 20–Sun 21 Aug Hexwood School of Sorcery Join Maisey on her adventures through sorcery school. Ages 4+. Watford Palace Theatre 01923 225 671 Wed 27–Thu 28 Jul Zog And The Flying Doctors Family favourite. Ages 3+ July/August 9
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Low-cost summer fun Something different
Out and about
Enjoy a wild swim When it warms up, take a dip at your local wild swimming spot. Let’s fish! The Canal and River Trust is running free fishing expert guided taster sessions. Borrow a doggy Join Borrow My Doggy to bond with a dog in need of love while their owners are at work. Free tennis coaching and court usage The LTA is running free tennis sessions or coaching at venues across Britain.
Cinema deals Odeon and Cineworld will be running kids’ screenings with tickets priced from £3.25. Hop on board the train. Have a rail adventure. Visit somewhere new on the cheap using a Family and Friends Railcard. Visit a pet store Kids will enjoy checking out the pets for sale. Some stores run animal handling sessions and other activities. Pick your own berries Gather a heap of juicy strawberries, raspberries or other summer fruit.
Fresh air
Safer sleeping outside for little ones!
Join in National Play Day Join in one of hundreds of community events that celebrate the importance of play. Go fly a kite! Cheap and easy to buy or you can even make your own. Read up on tips about how to fly them. Find the Gruffalo There are themed walks based on the books up and down the country. Woodland adventure Explore your nearest woodland, enjoy adventure play, off-road cycling and create a den.
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SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Free printable activities for all ages
Solve the “I’m bored!” problem - remember to take a stash of these with you when your family is out and about!
Seaside Holiday Activities
Stargazing Live Activity Pack
The Usborne Unworry Pack
Including word searches, I Spy Seaside and more.
Activities to explore the night sky from the BBC Stargazing LIVE team.
Collection of fun, mindful activities to help children calm their minds.
Road Trip Games
There Once is a Queen Jubilee Activity Pack
My Holiday Book
Fun-packed games including bingo, word search and maze.
Reading Reward Chart
Encourage the kids to keep reading during the holidays with this chart. Familiesonline.co.uk
Celebrate Jubilee year with this activity pack.
Ladybird Activity Pack
Bumper activity pack with over thirty pages of fun.
Fun games and activities to entertain kids ages 3-5 on holiday.
Puffin Activity Pack
Word searches, activities, experiments and more. July/August 11
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Best holiday activity books for kids Want something to occupy the kids on the plane, train, in a café or restaurant or if they just need a quiet ten minutes? You can’t go past these brilliant activity and sticker books.
What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday Sticker Book
Dinosaurium Activity Book
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Nature Sticker and Colouring Book
Find Tom in Time
Never Get Bored Activity Book
Little Sticker Dolly Dressing Unicorns
Ages 7-9. £9.29
Ages 2-3. £5.57
Age 6+. £7.43
12 July/August
Ages 6-10. £9.28
100 Things for Little Children to Do on a Journey Age 3+. £6.50
Age 3-5. £6.73
Age 6+. £9.29
Sticker by Letter: In the Wild Activity Book
Age 4+. £5.57
Holiday Puzzles and Games Age 7+. £6.50
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SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Days out – put the kids in charge!
There are so many advantages to this including increased confidence for your kids and less brain work for you!
Benefits
Tips
Builds confidence that can then be applied in other areas eg school morning routines.
Set a budget and be clear what it covers eg entry fees, travel costs and food.
Provides valuable source of additional thinking and planning for you!
Spell everything out. Make sure they understand exactly what they are being asked to do.
Research and planning
On the day
Ensure they gather all relevant information eg opening times, entry fees, travelling times etc.
Let them navigate, whether that’s using a phone, map, tube map or street directory.
Suggest they plan the day including time for departure, arrival, journey and food breaks.
Be tolerant; making mistakes is all part of the learning.
Allows kids to exercise independence and test their abilities.
Offer incentives such as bonus spending money for any savings they achieve.
Keep it up Build on the confidence your child has gained by introducing new family responsibilities. Get them to plan the weekly dinner menu or help draw up the shopping list. Start a fun day out ideas jar that everyone contributes to. Pull one out every weekend or holidays.
Put ONE child in charge. Others will get their turn IF they cooperate with their sibling.
Try to back off and not interfere too much but be there in case guidance or intervention is needed.
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July/August 13
SUMMER CAMPS
Camp Beaumont Adventure Day Camps
DiscoG Coding Academy DiscoG Coding Academy run weekly term-time classes and holiday courses and workshops for students aged 6-18. Learn Computer Science, Coding, Robotics, AI and Machine Learning. Summer courses from 4 July–2 September.
Dedicated to delivering confidence-building adventures. Camp Beaumont run awardwinning day camps. From just £43 a day for ages 3-16, offering over 50 activities including archery, football and arts and crafts across London and the surrounding areas. Camp Beaumont is looking to support families and help children to get back on track this summer. With a focus on reducing stress and learning new skills through carefully selected activities that get children moving, socialising and back in the great outdoors! Camp Beaumont has over 40 years’ experience and all leaders are fully DBS-checked. Book a multi-activity programme and ensure your child enjoys their most exciting school holiday yet! FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK HERE.
Contact Gerard & Kat on 07767300940 or email.
Tiska Karate Tiska Karate hold a Karate Camp during the School Holidays. Days consist of games and challenges, which helps develop team work and Communication skills, plus a focus on a specific element of Karate. Medals for the winning team, plus much more. FIND OUT MORE HERE
Free Readers Summer Learning Camp
Free Readers offer a range of subjects to suit the needs of your child. Small group classes with individual attention, for children aged 3 to 11. Learning to read and write, 11+ and 7+ exam prep and more. 25 Jul to 12 Aug in Edgware, 1 to 19 Aug in Northwood. MORE INFO HERE
14 July/August
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SUMMER CAMPS discog coding academy
LEARN THE LANGUAGE THAT
writes THE FUTURE
Summer School Join our short courses and workshop sessions from Monday, 4th July – Wednesday, 31st August
Coding & Robotics Call Gerard & Kat on:
07767300940
Ages 6-18
info@discogcodingacademy.com www.discogcodingacademy.com
Early Bird Rates U N T I L 3 1 ST
MAY 2022
ENROL IN OUR
SUMMER
LEARNING CAMP
Harrow Stanmore Stanburn Primary School, HA7 2PJ
Edgware HA8 July 25 to August 12 Northwood HA6 August 1 to 19
Small group classes with individual attention, for children aged 3 to 11 Ruislip Sacred Heart Primary School, HA4 6EZ
AT FREE READERS
WE HELP YOUR CHILD WITH
Watford Hartsbourne Primary School, WD23 1SJ
Where children To see our latest timetables and to book your children’s chosen activities go to:
fun-fest.co.uk
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3 Learning to write
(GL, CEM, Independent Schools)
3 Maths
3 7+ Exam Preparation
3 English
3 Targeted Intervention
3 VR & NVR
3 Post-pandemic catch up
CHIL D VOUC CARE HERS
G TEACHIN SMART ILLED BY SK RS E TEACH
BOOK NOW! LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE
3
CHIL VOU DCARE HMR CHERS & CT CHIL AX-FREE D ACC CARE EPTE D
ED LOCAT HA6 ood Northw re HA8 a & Edgw
OUR ETHOS is to recognise the potential in every child and provide the highest quality of teaching to help them succeed. Our culture supports, encourages and inspires our children to strive for excellence.
020 7117 6147 Ofsted registered
3 Learning to read 3 11+ Exam Preparation
office@freereaders.co.uk
www.freereaders.co.uk July/August 15
SUMMERCAMPS
Perform’s Peter Pan Summer Courses
Inspire your child’s imagination this summer with a unique drama, dance and singing holiday course from Perform. Your 4-10 year old can fly away to Neverland with Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and friends on an unforgettable confidencebuilding adventure. Eastcote Methodist Church from 8–12 Aug. St Mark’s Church, Kensal Rise from 15-19 Aug. More info HERE
Fun Fest Holiday Clubs Fun Fest Holiday Clubs are Ofsted registered and take children from ages 3-12 years. They offer children a choice from a menu of different activity sessions every morning and afternoon. Stanmore (Stanburn Primary School, HA7 2PJ) 25 Jul - 25 Aug, 8am-5.45pm. Call 07543 552349, email or click HERE. Ruislip (Sacred Heart Primary School, HA4 6EZ) 25 Jul - 26 Aug, 8am-6pm. Call 0208 432 3223, email or click HERE. Watford (Hartsbourne Primary School, Bushey, WD23 1SJ) 25 Jul - 23 Aug, 8am-6pm. Call 07892 721317, email or click HERE. More info HERE 16 July/August
Little Big Leaders Academic Summer School with Little Big Leaders in Stanmore only a few spaces left. 9am-1.30pm weekdays. KS1 KS4 for catch up, acceleration and exam prep, including 11+, 13+ and GCSE. Maximum of 5 pupils per group. Tax Free Childcare/Vouchers accepted. EMAIL for more information.
The Learning Wheel The Learning Wheel’s (Eastcote) summer school is open throughout Summer to provide tuition in Maths and English for children of ALL abilities in primary and secondary schools. Nurturing, supportive and tailor made tuition for every child. There is also availability for 1-1 tuition with a Dyslexia Specialist teacher. Book now, call/text 07930 557 870. More info HERE
Sharpe Academy Sharpe Academy is again running two Musical Theatre summer schools at Harrow Arts Centre. The Vocational Musical Theatre Week (25-29 July) is for performers aged 14-21. The Jungle Book Kids, (2226 August) is open to younger performers aged 6-14. More info HERE Familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
Performing and developing key life skills with PQA Whether it be diving into their dressing up box or stepping onto the stage, performing is important to children and young people, although its benefits can often go unnoticed. Performing arts can teach children and young people key skills that can be used in everyday life. Creativity. Naturally imaginative, pretend play and make believe come easily to kids and can assist their social and emotional development, helping them form new ideas and develop resourcefulness. Problem solving. Solving problems creatively within the safety of a performing arts environment can help kids deal with issues in everyday life. If children feel comfortable exploring and dealing with problems in a non-linear way, this makes them more confident overall. READ MORE
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July/August 17
CLUBS & CLASSES
Etiquette and Emotions
Divine Yoga
Etiquette and Emotions offer live, interactive, and enjoyable workshops for children and teens aged 7-15 to elevate their emotional intelligence and social etiquette.
Yoga is a movement connecting the mind, body and breathwork. In each of our classes yoga is brought to life using creative games and mindful movement ending in a relaxing mindful activity.
The workshops currently running over the school holidays include: Confidence, Conversations, and Charisma workshop (7-10 yrs. or 11-15-year-olds). Emotional Intelligence Workshop (8–12-year-olds). 11+ School Interview Support. The workshops are run by a certified children’s coach and include videos, discussions, and a quiz. Get 10% off! Use discount code: ee10off at checkout! Full details and bookings at HERE
18 July/August
The power of yoga helps children gain a mental and physical balance, an open heart and mind, create better social interactions and most importantly recognise self - love. Classes (Borehamwood and Kenton) are for children 4-10 years, teens, families, schools and nurseries. ‘My aim is to empower children to learn techniques, such as breathing and mindfulness, and apply it to when they need it most during the pressures of life. The yoga sessions are tailored to create a happy, fun and positive mindset.’ Why not trial a FREE class? EMAIL for more info or book HERE Familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
Divine Yoga
World of Children’s Yoga
divineyoga143@gmail.com
07791570222 @divineyoga143 www.divineyoga143.com/bookno
*FREE TRIAL CLASS* NW LONDON~ HERTFORSHIRE Empowering children to create a happy and positive mindset through mindful movement and creative games
Pause, breathe and share some joy with your loved ones exploring how yoga can help you grow with joy and ease. 11+ Yoga Essentials Workshop for Children and Families: Calm the mind to stimulate the mind Ease 11+ exam preparation through yoga, to improve brain function and help with: *Confidence * Focus * Memory Recall Just for the Girls Workshops: Understand yourself – love yourself – be yourself For Tweens and Teens only AND For Tweens/Tweens and their Mums Time and space for girls to grow with ease through yoga, to manage: Body Changes; Emotions; Hormonal Fluctuations FREE Taster Sessions in Bushey for one week from 11 July. Email, call 07784 370034 or click HERE Familiesonline.co.uk
Coding class for children aged 4 to 6 years old Develop Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication
BOOK NOW AT
WWW.LITTLECODERSCLUB.CO.UK
Calling all young Scientists!
Help us discover how babies & kids learn! We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. Our prime location is easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies 020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk July/August 19
PARENTING
Auditory Processing Disorder Usha Patel - Neurocongntive Therapist - talks about Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a condition where those with normal hearing constantly mishear what is said. While APD is neurological and may be inherited or caused by developmental problems, research has also shown that early childhood ear infections can be a significant contributory factor in causing it. Children develop critical language skills between 6 months to 3 years. Language centres within the brain learn to map out sounds and store them for language processing. When a child starts reacting to words with a smile or starts speaking their first words, it effectively associates these sounds with meanings. If a child suffers from constant middle ear infection during the critical period, the ability to process language/speech can be affected. Sounds that usually become imprinted in the brains memory and language centres do not get established. The mishearing happens because the brain recognises aural information differently from what they heard. A good example is commonly found when children can’t differentiate between thirteen and thirty. While hearing can be perfectly normal, their brain cannot 20 July/August
process those sounds accurately due to their similarity. This inability of the brain to process accurately results in the Auditory Processing Disorder condition. READ MORE
Safer sleeping outside for little ones!
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July/August 21
PARENTING
Different parents, different rules By Susie Ramroop
When you have responsibility for a child, you probably don’t even think, consciously, about what your rules are. You have them, you do your best to make sure they are followed daily, but you may not think about the details, origins or impacts on other people. So, when it comes to your child being supervised by other parents, how do you know if you’ll be comfortable with it?
first person that needs to be clear about this is you, then your child, then anyone else who is choosing to supervise them temporarily.
As my daughter gets older this is something that I am becoming more aware of. At school I have complete trust. Rules are communicated clearly, and what is and isn’t acceptable largely matches my own rule book. I can say the same of Brownies or the after-school clubs that she attends, but what about the other people looking after our children?
My child reports things to me that she doesn’t think I’d be comfortable with, which means I can decide if I let people look after her again or whether I need to communicate our needs. Decide what is not OK
I don’t want my daughter sitting in a room with a smoker, being left on her own, not being fed if she’s Drop offs at parties are now the hungry, crossing the road without norm. Invites to public places like being ushered, or listening to the cinema, bowling, and trampoline negative language / viewpoints. parks are coming thick and fast. And now sleepovers... Here’s what I also don’t want to issue my rule I have learned so far: just because book to another parent, but I can you like someone or have made observe how they handle this from a friends at the school gates, it distance. Then I can decide whether doesn’t guarantee that your values I think they would look after my are shared. Here are some tips to child sufficiently well in advance of consider: handing her over. What is not OK for me, might be absolutely fine for you. Be clear about your values READ MORE Our values are what feed our beliefs about what is and isn’t OK. The 22 July/August
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BACK TO SCHOOL
Starting school VERY soon? Want to get organised and prepare your child socially and emotionally? Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day
OPEN EVENTS CHOOSING RMS IS EASY! Nursery Prep Senior Sixth Form Whole School Open Day Sunday 18th September
Book your tour online www.rmsforgirls.com/openevents We look forward to meeting you RMS for Girls, Rickmansworth Park, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 4HF | admissions@rmsforgirls.com | 01923 725354
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July/August 23
BACK TO SCHOOL
Top pencil case picks for September Next on the list for kids, after a new school bag, is a new pencil case. Here are our favourites for the new season.
ZIPIT Talking Monstar Large
Fun pencil case which fits up to sixty pens or pencils. £8.50
Helix Pro Athletic
Large main compartment with wide opening zip, durable material. £4.52
Rachel Ellen Girls Rule the World Stylish and colourful, made from durable neoprene. £7.99
24 July/August
Maomaoyu Large Capacity
Dinosaur Colour & Learn
Smiggle Calculator Hard Top
Narwhal Plush
Durable and super-sized Fun and practical, comes pencil case with 3 zipped with wash-out fabric compartments. £8.69 pens. £12.95
Side panels with elastic pen and pencil holders. £15.50
Easthill Big Capacity Pencil Case
Makes a perfect ‘first pencil case’ for younger children. £3
Brown Paper Personalised
Roomy enough for pens, pencils, sharpeners Great for organisation. and rubbers. Can be Holds fifty pens/pencils personalised. £9.99 with a carry handle. £7.99 Familiesonline.co.uk
ERS BEGINN ER OFF SPECIAL
S 4 W EEK FREE Classes held Every Thursday at 5.00pm
Preston Park Primary School, College Road, Wembley, HA9 8RJ
Every Saturday at 9.00am Harrow High School, Gayton Road, Harrow, HA1 2JG
Every Saturday at 2.00pm
For more information please contact us on
07739572487
patel.karate@icloud.com
St Helens School Green Lane, Northwood, HA6 1AF
www.tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk www.tiskakarate-nortwood.co.uk www.tiskakarate-wembley.co.uk
ALL OUR INSTRUCTORS HAVE ENHANCED DISCLOSURE AND BARRING CERTIFICATES Familiesonline.co.uk
July/August 25
BACK TO SCHOOL
School bags for the new school year Children really love to choose a new school bag at the start of the school year. Here are some of our top suggestions.
Frugi Adventurers Backpack Good quality bag uses recycled and organic materials. £28
M&S Minecraft™ Water Repellent School Backpack
Large, light and great for Minecraft fans. Machine washable. £24
Novelty Rocket Backpack
Eye-catching but practical. Mesh pockets, adjustable straps. £30 26 July/August
LittleLife Big HiVis Dinosaur Kids ActionPak
Eastpak Padded Backpack
Liewood Allan Backpack
Nobodinoz Sunshine Kids Backpack
Babymel Zip and Zoe Colour and Wash Backpack
Adidas Class Backpack
Suits Reception-aged kids. High vis material. £19.99
Sturdy backpack for A4-sized books. Front pockets for smaller items. £47
Stylish, durable but comfortable with padded Made from organic shoulder and chest cotton with water straps. £47 repellent coating. £39.95
Colour your own with washable felt pens. £14
Great for sporty, older kids. Plenty of room for laptop/books. £21.99 Familiesonline.co.uk
Cool backpacks for cool kids! Get your FREE Grass & Air backpack NOW* Perfect for little treasures Fully lined, pockets, adjustable straps & handle. *while stocks last T&Cs apply
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*while stocks last T&Cs apply July/August 27
HOLIDAYS
How to holiday responsibly We all need to do our bit for the planet so we asked our friends at Tested by Tots for their ideas for some eco-friendly holiday products that can easily be substituted for traditional alternatives.
Beeswax wraps
Washable & reusable for up to six years. 15% discount - TOTS15
Reef-friendly sunscreen
Switch to biodegradable spray from Nivea, freefrom ingredients that damage ocean life.
Beachwear
Frugi clothing uses GOTS certified organic cotton or recycled materials. 28 July/August
Reusable BBQs
Shampoo bars
Sustainable toys
Bamboo nappies and wipes
Saves space and is as The Landmann Piccolino effective as the runny BBQ comes in two stuff. Trial sizes available. colours for under £70.
These use recycled materials and are vigorously safety tested. 10% discount -10GREENTOYS22
Sustainable teethers
Decompose much more quickly than regular products. 50% off newborn starter kit - NBTOT50
Eco sunglasses
Made from sustainable wheat straw. Made from natural, plantBiodegradeable. Four based rubber. colours for kids ages 5-9. Familiesonline.co.uk
HOLIDAYS
Perfect eco-friendly swimwear for summer Mix tops and bottoms to suit the occasion. Protect your child’s precious skin in a shortie suit or watch them cartwheel in a cossie! If we had to pick one ‘can’t live without’ item, it would be the Power Poncho with its fast-drying fabric and hidden game on the inside. Whatever your summer vibe, Grass&Air has got your family covered. Just add water. More info HERE. This summer, Grass&Air is coming with you and your kids on every single adventure. Its new Sun+Swim collection for kids ages 1 to 10 is bursting with clever ideas. Made using recycled plastic bottles and fabric offcuts, each piece has been designed for maximum enjoyment, whether kids are splashing in the paddling pool or doing karate kicks at big waves in the sea.
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July/August 29
SCREEN FREE
No-screen kids’ summer projects
Desperate for ideas to get your kids away from screens and exploring something in the real world? Check out our top recommendations.
Garage sales
Toy purge
A great way to declutter, reuse unwanted household items and make some money. Help the kids choose a date, decide what to sell, organise the items for easy browsing and label and price everything. You can then get them drawing posters to advertise the event. You can help by posting on social media. TIPS
Disposing of old toys can be challenging but is worthwhile for children and parents alike. If your child is resistant to parting with old favourites, challenge them to play with them for an appropriate amount of time or donate them to charity. Involve your child in taking their toys to the local charity shop. TIPS
Put on a show
Retro games day
Challenge your kids to put on a mini-play or concert or re-enact a favourite book or movie scene. You may have a budding standup comic, magician or storyteller in the family! An old sheet can be a backdrop or curtain; reading lamps can be spotlights. Get them making tickets and setting up seating. TIPS
Make a list of your favourite games from your own childhood such as hopscotch, marbles, elastics, Grandmother’s Footsteps, long rope skipping, Oranges and Lemons and spend a fun filled day reminiscing with your kids. For extra nostalgia, provide some of your favourite childhood snacks and sweets. TIPS
30 July/August
Familiesonline.co.uk
SCREEN FREE
No-screen kids’ summer projects
Desperate for ideas to get your kids away from screens and exploring something in the real world? Check out our top recommendations.
Water wars
Make a movie
When temperatures rise and tempers start to fray, encourage the kids to have an old-fashioned water fight. Use buckets, sponges, watering cans or fill up some balloons (purchase refillable water balloons). You could invest in fancy water pistols or a novelty sprinkler, water play mat or water slide. TIPS
If you are prepared to lend your phone for filming, this is a great creative holiday project for older children. A short film is ideally three to five minutes long and it can be factual or story based.
Neighbourhood Scavenger Hunt
Family Mini-Olympic Games
Create a list of landmarks for the kids to find in your street or the local park eg a distinctive house or a large tree. Write clues that help them find these landmarks.
This gets the kids active and requires little equipment. They can make a torch and have an opening ceremony. Races can include a sack race with pillowcases, a tug of war with a dressing gown belt, discus with a frisbee, shot put using bean bags or tennis balls. TIPS
Go along with them or clearly outline the area of the hunt so they don’t wander too far. TIPS Familiesonline.co.uk
Advise your child to keep it simple and start with a plan or better still a script. TIPS
July/August 31
SUMMER FOOD
Summer lunch and picnic ideas
Whip up these delicious dishes with the kids, courtesy of Neha @squashedpickle Click on the images to watch her helpful videos!
Egg & Pea Cheesy Waffles
Sweet Pea Pasta Muffins
This three-ingredient recipe couldn’t be any easier, making it perfect for little hands! You can switch up the vegetables or even use a frozen veg mix if you prefer. The waffles are a great alternative to the usual picnic food or lunch at home. READ RECIPE
Zac loves pasta. I used to make these a lot when he was young. They are light on mess, freezable and make a perfect on-thego snack. Kids can learn basic kitchen techniques while they experiment with different sauces and build their own muffins. READ RECIPE
Pesto Cheese Twists
Pizza Croissants
These twists are super-easy to prepare and so delicious. If you are looking for a kitchen-based activity to do with the kids during the summer, this recipe is great for teaching basic cutting and pastry twists. And you’ll end up with a fabulous snack or lunch option at the end! READ RECIPE
This is a fun way to use ready prepared croissant dough which is absolutely delicious. You can stuff the croissants with all your favourite pizza toppings. If you have a child who is fussy with vegetables, try including them in the stuffing. We’ve used mushrooms in this example. READ RECIPE
32 July/August
Familiesonline.co.uk
TOYS
Diversify your toy box Would you like your child to have toys which reflect the world in which we live? If so, take a look at the recommendations from our friends at Sheni and Teni which offers diverse books, toys and games for kids.
Sheni & Teni card games
Very Puzzled map puzzles
Cica Toys Yorupad
Our Kids Trove
Celebrate the wonders of Feature landmarks/ Africa through four loved attractions highlighting card games. notable people of colour.
Philly n Friends doll
Five African Iconic Leaders & Queens handpainted 9cm peg dolls.
Muffin Sisters
Helping children discover language through play.
An eclectic collection of culturally diverse toys and educational resources.
African-inspired elephant plush toys that encourage tactile play.
Colour Celebrations height chart
Imagine Me Stories subscription box
Learning with Ez emotions flashcards
Track your little ones height as they grow. Familiesonline.co.uk
Monthly subscription offering of diverse books and black history activities. Ages 0-12.
Ten double sided full colour emotion and feelings cards. July/August 33
CRAFTS
Have a crafty summer! Help the kids with these bright and beautiful ocean and summerthemed craft projects this holiday season.
Paper plate aquarium
Ocean dioramas
Butterfly finger puppet
Recycled plastic jelly fish mobile
Fish soap carving
Cupcake liner crabs
Egg carton bumble bee
Sea turtle
Wooden spoon mermaid
34 July/August
Familiesonline.co.uk