Families NW London Jan/Feb 23 DIGITAL issue

Welcome

Happy New Year from all of us here at Families! We wish you the very best for the months ahead.

It’s hard for everyone to keep New Year’s resolutions – especially children. Download our free colour-in Reward Chart which may help to keep your children engaged.

Whilst everyone feels like hibernating in winter, getting outside is good for us so, to motivate you, we’ve got some ideas for seasonal family activities as well as some projects which will help welcome more wildlife to your garden. And, once you’re back indoors? We have some great ideas for making family nights in special.

Finally, in this issue, we have Britannica Magazine subscriptions and other goodies to giveaway! Apply inside the magazine. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Getting the best from online tutoring

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

SATS: getting in the know

By Jessica Joan

With Covid and the move to online platforms, tutoring has become more accessible, with more options and opportunities available. As a result, over fifteen percent of UK children are now receiving private tuition. But how can you get the best results?

READ MORE

In May, Year 2 (KS1) and Year 6 (KS2) pupils will take their SATS exams. Yet, from their very first day at school, children are being trained to be able to perform in preparation for these assessments. So what support can you give at home?

READ MORE

Top children’s book picks for 2023

Plan some great reading for your child with our children’s book suggestions, all just published or due to be published this year.

DJ Baby Funky novelty board book featuring spinning record turntables! Ages 1+.

Ten Little Bugs Part traditional counting rhyme, part fun-filled story - perfect for sharing. Ages 3-5.

Grandad’s Pride

Beautiful follow-up to Grandad’s Camper, filled with heart and purpose. Ages 3-6.

The Library Fish Learns to Read

Charming picture book about the unusually literary fish. Ages 4-8.

Weird but true! 2023

National Geographic annual loaded with brain bending facts and photos. Ages 7-10.

A Dragon Realm Adventure

Special World Book Day story (£1) in the actionpacked series. Ages 8+.

Dave Pigeon Bookshop Mayhem

Special World Book Day story (£1) - a funny, joyful romp. Ages 6+.

Valentine Crow & Mr Death

Distinctive, warm and funny. From highlyacclaimed Jenni Spangler. Ages 9+.

Yetis are the Worst!

Gilbert the Goblin’s new adventure – finding the legendary yeti. Ages 4-8.

Tackling toddler tantrums

By Sarah Ockwell-Smith

The ‘terrible twos’ aren’t called that for nothing! This stage of a child’s life is all about big feelings. Scientifically, it relates to the undeveloped prefrontal brain cortex meaning a child is unable to regulate their own emotions.

What is a tantrum?

Tantrums describe the state of an individual who is out of control, full of big emotions and stress hormones and unable to calm themselves down. Tantrums can happen right into adulthood but adults learn to self-soothe.

Toddlers don’t possess these skills yet. They are not being naughty or manipulative, they are simply being toddlers. Tantrums are a normal and exceedingly common feature of child development. Research has found that nearly nine in ten children between 18 months and 2 years regularly have tantrums, with most having at least one a day, lasting on average between thirty and sixty seconds (although it is not uncommon for them to occur far more frequently and last for much longer).

‘No’ to the naughty step

Contrary to popular belief, ignoring, shaming or punishing tantrums can make a toddler’s behaviour much worse. These approaches ignore a child’s difficult underlying feelings and don’t resolve the cause

or help the toddler regulate their behaviour. Experts have discovered just how much infant brains are affected by the level of parental care they receive. With nurturing attention, the part of their brains responsible for regulating emotion become better connected as they grow.

READ MORE

Put a spring in your child’s step with Perform!

Happy Spring Term!

Perform’s confidence-building classes are sure to blow away the winter cobwebs and help children feel energised and inspired.

This term sees children ages 4 to 7 trapezing and somersaulting into a Circus Adventure whilst those ages 7 to 12 work on a fun and funky adaptation of Robin Hood, in Outlaw. Imaginations will soar as children work towards a magical performance for family and friends.

Perform is not like other children’s drama schools. Its classes have a special emphasis on child development and use a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Run by experienced actor-teachers, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination and Concentration.

With all abilities welcome, children can join at any point in the term and will take part in the performance. The only requirement is to get ready to have the best fun of the week!

Children are welcome to try a FREE class. With local venues in Bushey, Eastcote, Harrow, Ickenham, Kensal Rise, Northwood, Pinner, Ruislip, Stanmore and Watford. there’s sure to be a class near you.

Find the right class and book HERE , EMAIL or call 020 7255 9120 to book a FREE trial class in one of the following venues.

Bushey: Sacred Heart Parish Centre

Eastcote: Eastcote Methodist Church

Harrow: St Jerome C Of E

Bilingual School, Marlborough

Primary School, St Peter’s Harrow

Ickenham: Ickenham Village Hall

Kensal Rise: St Mark’s Church

Northwood: Northwood Methodist Church Hall

Pinner: Pinner Methodist Church, St Luke’s Parish Hall

Ruislip: Ruislip Methodist Church

Stanmore: Bernays Memorial Hall

Watford: Watford Quaker Meeting House

World of Children’s Yoga

New Weekend Family Yoga for:

Learning & Development: Yoga for a confident, stable, calm, well-rested, focused state of mind, ready to receive learning.

Family Yoga with Pre-Schoolers (30 mins)

Family Yoga with Children (4-8 years) (40 mins)

Puberty & Change: Yoga for strength, flexibility, self-awareness, positive self-image and self-worth, emotional regulation

Dads & Lads Yoga (11+ years)

Mum & Daughter Yoga with Tweens (8-11years)

Mum & Daughter Yoga with Teens (11-15 years)

Yoga for Women: Yoga for balance, love, strength, healing, wisdom. This is where Yoga for women and all ages comes in and I share yoga designed for a woman’s body, women’s cycles, women’s lives.

Email Anjili HERE or follow on Facebook and INSTAGRAM.

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

St Helens School Green Lane, Northwood, HA6 1AF

www.tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk www.tiskakarate-nortwood.co.uk www.tiskakarate-wembley.co.uk

New online children’s physio directory

Parents wanting to locate a local children’s physiotherapist can now use an online directory launched by Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists.

The majority of children’s physiotherapists work in the NHS. Your GP can advise about local services and make a referral, if appropriate. However, some parents choose to seek advice and treatment from an independent or private physiotherapist either instead of, or to supplement, NHS care. Many children need support from a physiotherapist at some time during their childhood. This may be sought for advice and treatment relating to posture and movement or for acute injuries.

Qualified children’s physiotherapists are regulated, have additional expertise in child development and childhood conditions and the right skill base and knowledge to deliver the best care for babies and children. Find

Managing children’s anxiety

Be fully present Avoid fuelling anxiety

Phone alerts and notifications are constantly distracting and family members often have to compete. Being fully present with the activity or conversation we’re having with our children - without distraction - demonstrates that we value ‘real’ time together and are fully available.

Children absorb emotions like sponges and overhearing the news or emotionally-charged adult conversation can fuel their anxiety. If your child is worrying about the future, use mindfulness to bring them back to the present moment—’right here, right now, with you, all is well.’

Spend time in nature

Nature-deficit disorder (NDD) can contribute to higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses. But the good news is, it can easily be reversed. Spending time in nature is easier than we think: village greens, parks, commons and nature reserves abound in the UK and they provide the perfect setting for free family activities.

Claire at Bridgemaker Mindfulness shares her top tips.

Managing children’s anxiety

Claire at Bridgemaker Mindfulness shares her top tips.

Encouraging reading

Sharing feelings

Reading is relaxing and distracting. A 2009 University of Sussex study found that reading can reduce stress by up to sixty eight percent. Just six minutes of relaxing into a good book can lower blood pressure and muscle tension.

Can’t fall asleep?

Children are more likely to express their feelings when they sense we are fully available. Sitting somewhere that they have to pass by when they return from being elsewhere and gently inviting them to join us can be a good start. Listen intently without moving into ‘fix-it mode.’

Enrol on a course

Creating a comforting, wind down routine can help (reading a book together, listening to soothing music). Try placing hands on the belly, breathing easily and focusing on the breath, following the gentle movement of the belly that rises and falls. For the busy mind, try counting the breath to ten (in – 1, out – 2 etc) over and over.

Mindfulness apps/recorded meditations can help adults and children to relax and unwind but nothing compares with attending a course with a qualified mindfulness teacher which teaches key mindfulness skills. However, if, despite your best intentions and care, your child’s behaviour or anxiety level becomes worrying, do seek medical advice from a GP.

What’s on

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

Fri 6 –Sun 22 Jan Winter Light (HP18) Begin 2023 with sparkle and bright lights, as Waddesdon Manor extend their Winter Light programme into the new year for you to enjoy.

7–8, 14–15, 21–22 & 28-29 Jan Planetarium Shows and Astronomy Talks (SE10) Join Royal Observatory astronomers and leading scientists on a fascinating journey into space, from planetarium shows and science sessions for kids to in-depth astronomy courses and community events.

Sun 8 & Sat 21 JanSEND Family Sensory Tours (TW9) Be immersed in plants and nature during this interactive storytelling family sensory tour at Kew Gardens, with a seasonal focus in the Mediterranean Garden. 10.30–11.15am.

Sat 21 Jan Lunar New Year: A Family Celebration (online) Join the British Library in celebrating Lunar New Year alongside children’s authors Eva Wong Nava and Maisie Chan.

Sat 21 Jan Lunar New Year (SE10) Welcome in the new year with a day of celebration,

performances and activities at the National Maritime Museum.

Sat 21 – Sun 22 Jan Lunar New Year 2023 (E14)

Come to celebrate Lunar New Year with a weekend of free activities for the whole family. Drop in activities will take place between 11am and 4pm.

Sun 22 Jan Family Snowdrop Kokedama Workshop (SW3)

Join the team at Chelsea Physic Garden for a family workshop to create your own gorgeous Kokedama with snowdrops. 10am, 12pm & 2pm.

Thu 26 Jan Gaming@artsdepot (N12) Go along to a Friday night gaming session at artsdepot. For all levels.

Fri 27–Sun 29 Jan RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (various) Be wowed by your local wildlife. Simply count the birds you see in your garden or the local park for one hour between, then log your results on the RSPB website.

Sat 28 Jan–Sat 4 Feb Make-it: Costume Illustration (SW7) Take part in this families workshop at the V&A

Museum to find out more about costume design and experiment with illustration techniques. 10:30am workshop for ages 7-10; 2pm for ages 10-13.

Sat 28 Jan & Sat 25 Feb Safe Harbour (SE10) A series of free workshops created to provide a safe space for foster and adoptive families with children under 13 years.

Sun 29 Jan Chinese New Year Culture Show (WD17) Everyone is invited to Watford Palace Theatre to Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. Enjoy an evening of festivities celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Sun 29 Jan & Sun 26 Feb All Aboard Club Play Sessions (TW8) All Aboard Club is bringing its trains to the London Museum of Water & Steam. Autistic and ADHD children can build and play with their train sets in an inclusive, supportive environment. 3-4:45pm. Pre-booking required.

Throughout Feb LGBTQ+ History Month (SE10)

Head to the National Maritime Museum for a spectacular series of events celebrating queer histories, identities and communities.

WHAT’S ON

What’s on

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

Sat 4 Feb Hillingdon Library Service presents Storyteller Wendy Shearer (UB3/UB8) With a sprinkle of sunshine and a dash of sea breeze, Wendy Shearer will carry you across the Caribbean Sea with trickster tales. Ages 5+, free, but booking is essential. Botwell Green Library, 2pm and Uxbridge Library, 3.30pm.

Sat 4 Feb – Sun 5 Mar Orchids 2023 (TW9) Kew Gardens’ much-loved annual orchid festival is back. Take a journey through state-of-the-art glasshouse and discover larger-than-life sculptures.

Sun 5 Feb Cancer Research UK London Winter Run An unforgettable journey for runners of all abilities.

Wed 8–Fri 17 Feb One and Everything Family Trail (SE1) Follow the free activity trail at the Southbank Centre to discover mysterious scripts, secret alphabets and hidden stories, inspired by Sam Winston’s book One & Everything.

Sat 11–Sun 19 Feb STEM Week (NW9) Throughout STEM Week, the RAF Museum will have a dynamic range of activities available.

Sat 11–Sun 19 Feb Water Power (TW8) Get stuck into hands-on STEAM activities and get creative with a community art project. Plus, the fun Water Movers Science Show explores how to get water where we want it to be.

Sat 11 Feb–Sat 4 Mar Brick Week (SL4) LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort welcomes you to Brick Week! Build family memories this February half term with awesome rides, attractions and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

Sun 12–Sun 19 Feb February Half Term: Sailing Out (SE10) Badge making and BSL craft workshops are just some of the activities taking place over half term at the National Maritime Museum to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month.

Mon 13 & Sat 18 Feb Morning Stars (SE10) Morning Stars planetarium shows offer a calmer and more relaxed environment. Presented live by a Royal Observatory astronomer with several adaptations.

Tue 14–Wed 15 Feb Out Of This World: Mars (SE10) Take a trip to the Red Planet in this Mars-themed family workshop at the

Royal Observatory. Join an interactive workshop as you find out how we explore this fascinating world. Ages 7+.

Tue 14–Fri 17 Feb Half-Term Workshops at the Foundling Museum (WC1N) Re-make and animate history with artists makers through a range of imaginative workshops inspired by Tiny Traces exhibition. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm. Ages 5-12.

Wed 15 Feb Islamic Geometry Workshop (HA5) Using ancient tools, recreate medieval patterns and bring them to life with contemporary colours. 1-4pm.

Wed 15 Feb Rainbow Family Plant Drawing Session (SW3) Chelsea Physic Garden is hosting a family friendly plant drawing session. Materials will be provided. Ages 5+. 10am–12pm.

Thu 16 Feb Hillingdon Library Service presents Story Detectives (HA4/UB3) A 45-minute performance followed by a 30-minute workshop. Ages 7+, free, but pre-booking essential. Ruislip Manor Library 11am, Botwell Green Library, 3pm.

What’s on

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

Thu 16–Fri 17 Feb Revolting Children twoDay Workshop (UB10)

A musical theatre workshop for young people aged 7 to 11, at Compass Theatre in Ickenham. 10am-4pm. Space is limited, pre-book.

Thu 16–Fri 17 Feb Holiday to Space (SE10)

Join Ted and Plant as they explore the Solar System in search of the best place to take a holiday in a morning of fun including a planetarium show and interactive workshop. Ages 3-6 years.

Fri 17 Feb Hillingdon Museum Service presents Victorian Toys (UB8)

A family event where you can explore and play with Victorian toys, including some from the museum’s collection. At Uxbridge Library from 2-4pm. Free, but booking is essential.

Fri 17 Feb Dino Snores for Grownups (SW7) Head along after the Sun’s gone down and let your inner child go wild for a night of fun and games at the Museum.

Sat 18 Feb SEN Clay Modelling (HA5) A workshop for families with SEN children aged 5+. At Harrow Arts Centre from 10am-1pm.

Sat 18 Feb Nick Sharratt’s All New Picture Book Drawalong (N12) Join this much-loved children’s writer and illustrator in a familyfriendly, fun-filled drawalong for all ages at artsdepot. Take pencils, paper and something to lean on.

Sun 19 Feb

Fireman Sam

Children’s Theatre

Sat 21 Jan – Sat 25 Mar Tales from the Shed Spring Season

Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show.

Vibrant, inclusive theatre shows that are perfect for young children. Every carefully planned show incorporates educational songs, movement and language games, which help promote brain development and early learning. Ages 0-6.

Until Sun 29 Jan We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Little Angel Theatre brings Michael Rosen’s thrilling and funny adventure to life in this entrancing puppetry production, which is ideal for brave hunters and bear lovers alike. Ages 3-8.

Sun 12-Tue 14 Feb

The Singing Mermaid

With three skilled performers, beautiful puppets, and wonderful music and songs by Barb Jungr, Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ much-loved story comes to the stage. Ages 3+.

Sun 12 Feb Comedy Club 4 Kids Cracking entertainment for everyone ages 6+. We have the best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best... but without the rude bits! Ages 6+.

Fri 20 Jan – Fri 24 Mar Planet Play Spring Season

Welcome to Planet Play, a magical world of sensory learning, wonder and exploration, for babies and toddlers aged 0-3 years.

Sat 11 – Sun 12 Feb

The Jungle Book

Filled with original music, audience interaction and bags of comedy, you are invited to join Mowgli and his friends, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, on a madcap jungle adventure as they meet and attempt to outwit a slithering snake, some cheeky monkeys and the fierce tiger, Shere Khan! Ages 4+.

Sat 7–Sun 8 Jan Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party

The thrilling new experience brings audiences the only opportunity to watch their favourite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks - Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, Boneshaker,™ Bigfoot® plus the all-new Gunkster™ light up the floor in outrageous monster trucks competitions and battles.

Until Sun 29 Jan The Pixie and the Pudding

This enchanting musical brings a tale from Scandinavian folklore to life with puppetry, original music and a sprinkling of pixie magic. Ages 4-11.

Fri 20–Sat 28 Jan Pippin

Pippin tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory? This captivating production features sizzling choreography in the style of Bob Fosse and acrobatics.

Children’s Theatre

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

Until Sun 29 Jan Little Red Riding Hood

The much-loved story of Red Riding Hood is injected with humour and new twists to the tale in this specially commissioned version by prize winning author Deborah Jones. Performed using marionettes and shadow puppets. Ages 5+.

and songs, together with two brand new numbers performed by the country’s hottest dancers and an electrifying live band.

enough craziness to send you into a fit of giggles! All ages.

Sun 29 Jan

Captain Calamity: The Adventures of Captain Calamity

Expect 55 minutes of jaw dropping family fun and insanity featuring marvellous magic, bombastic balloons, beautiful bubbles, silly science, gigglesome games, cheeky tunes, one or two custard pies and enough craziness to send you into a fit of giggles before the curtain comes crashing down. All ages.

Thu 19 – Sat 21 Jan High School Musical High School Musical Live on Stage follows the much-loved story of the movie, featuring all your favourite characters

Wed 11 Jan

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

An award-winning lunchtime comedy show for parents… and you can bring your baby! These shows feature the funniest comedians from TV and the circuit telling their grown-up jokes in a totally baby-friendly environment.

Sat 14 Jan

The Adventures of Captain Calamity

This is a wild mix of magic and mayhem like no other. Expect jaw dropping family fun and insanity featuring marvellous magic, baffling balloon bursting, beautiful bubbles, silly science, gigglesome games, cheeky tunes, custard pies and

Tue 14–Thu 16 Feb Shark in the Park Timothy Pope is looking through his telescope –but wait, is that a Shark, in the Park!? From the creative team behind ‘The Hairy Maclary show’ see all 3 of Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in the Park’ books live on Stage! Age 2-7.

Thu 19–Sat 21 Jan Rumpelstiltskin

Will Windy the Miller’s tall tales finally come back to haunt him? Can Sophie perform miracles to keep the ones she loves safe? Can the Prince stop his dad, the King, from going power and money hungry? Will Dame Daisy ever get her man? Go along and join in the fun at the Winston Churchill Theatre.

Best

Here’s

Family meals made easier

What is batch cooking?

Cooking multiple meals at one time and then storing for later use.

Food is cooked in a ‘batch’, then stored in airtight containers. Meals are stored in portions for ease.

Batch cooking often involves doubling, tripling or quadrupling ingredients.

What you need

Big pans - you’re cooking bulk so ensure you have enough big pans to cope.

Large mixing bowls to bring all those ingredients together.

Storage containers and resealable freezer bags. Choose the right size for your family.

Labels. Keep track of what you’ve got and when you cooked it.

Intro to batch cooking

Benefits of batch cooking

Saves money - buying food in bulk is cheaper.

Saves time – you don’t need to cook every evening.

You are cooking when you want to and not when you have to.

It’s healthier as you always have a tasty nutritious meal on hand.

Top tips

Set aside a few hours so you’re not rushed.

Prepare ingredients - weighing, measuring and chopping first will make the job easier.

Clean as you go and, if making several recipes at once, tidy up as you go too.

Cool before you freeze; food will keep better and save fridge energy.

Meal planning

This 2 minute video from The Batch Lady shows exactly what you’ll need to start batch cooking freezer meals.

This short video from The Batch Lady offers a great rundown on how to plan weekly meals for your family.

Dangerous things (you should let your child do)

Let them experience ‘age-appropriate risk’ under adult supervision AT ALL TIMES. Research shows that it’s essential for a balanced childhood.

Use power tools

The use of a power tool is an important life skill that is good to learn early.

Spend an hour blindfolded

Challenge your child to live blindfolded – it’s fun and builds empathy.

Play with fire

It’s best children learn about fire safely with you.

Throw rocks

Children can’t resist throwing - and it can be managed safely.

Use a pocketknife

A life skill that develops with experience, whittling is a fun introduction.

Climb a tree

Another irresistible urge for children - fun and beneficial when done safely.

Blow up a bottle of coke

A classic science experiment which is spectacular - but messy!

Play conkers

This ancient British game can be safely played if done correctly.

Use a bow and arrow

Though potentially hazardous, it’s great for developing situational awareness.