Families Cambridgeshire Nov-Dec 2014

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Cambridgeshire NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 ISSUE #27

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INSIDE ‘HOW TO’ GUIDE ON BEHAVIOUR • WHERE TO FIND FATHER CHRISTMAS

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Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the Christmas edition of Families Cambridgeshire. Have you got that Christmas feeling yet? If not, you soon will! This issue is packed with Christmas events to help get you in the mood, including tree decorating, carol services, ice skating, pantomimes and – most important of all – where you will find Father Christmas in Cambridgeshire this year. We have also put together a few stocking filler suggestions on page 15 to help inspire the

What’s in this issue?

children when writing their letters to Santa. With very excited children at this time of year we thought you might find the Families ‘How to’ Guide on behaviour useful on page 13 and finally I hope you find this issue makes life a little bit easier to plan ahead. Thank you for reading and don’t forget to mention Families Cambridgeshire if you attend an event listed.

Merry Christmas!

4 News & Views 7 What’s On Great days out and events to get you in the mood this Christmas, from carol singing to pantomime’s and tree decorating.

@familiescambs

9W here to find Father Christmas

facebook.com/CambridgeshireFamilies

We have selected a few of the places in Cambridgeshire that Father Christmas will be visiting this year so you can be sure you don’t miss him!

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

Mindfulness is the difference between being a DOer and a BEer.

TH

13 How to… get your children to behave!

Families Cambridgeshire is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license..

We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributers cant be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any correspondences.

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g r en in fo z k s o s s a r r e a T de y F ak tm r o ne p C ris is u h D CrC fo

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17,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

he North Pole Cambridge Christmas Festival is back, taking place throughout the festive season and bringing you an icy extravaganza in the heart of the city centre. Skate in style at one of the most stunning open-air ice rinks the UK has to offer and glide around the new 600m Ice Rink. Plus, enjoy the wide array of traditional entertainment rides & fun interactive side stalls, which will have something for everyone. Sample the delicious pop up food market, brought to you by local company Foodpark Cambridge and be tempted by tasty treats from around the world. To explore The North Pole Cambridge, head to www.thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk for tickets. Visitors who book before 20th November will receive a 10% early bird discount. To enter visit www. familiescambridgeshire.co.uk and tell us how big the ice rink will be?

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11 Mindfulness

R O 3 W £3

Winner of last month’s competition is Natasha Canning from Cambridge

FAMILY TICKET FOR THE NORTH POLE ICE WIN!ARINK AT PARKERS PIECE CAMBRIDGE

With the excitement of Christmas children can be testing, all kids will have a tantrum at some point, some simple steps can help to avoid this behaviour or at least lessen it!

14 Christmas stocking fillers We have put together a few simple but fun ideas for the Christmas stockings this year so that children know what to ask Father Christmas for when writing their letters.

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: David Slade davidslade1@me.com

NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2014

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News & views

Keep children safe around dogs

All too frequently we see headlines about attacks on children and adults by their own family pet or friends’ or relatives’ dogs.

To keep children safe around dogs and understand when an animal is distressed, Wood Green, the Animals Charity, has launched a six-minute animated video – starring dogs Woody and Wiggles – explaining the essential dog behaviour basics every child should know.

There are 8.5 million pet dogs in the UK1 and the Government estimates more than 210,000 people are bitten by dogs each year in England alone2, with 6,317 of those needing urgent hospital treatment last year3.

Tragically, we have also seen a number of high profile fatal dog attacks on children in the past couple of years.

Children under nine are the most at risk of injury, and due to their size they suffer more head injuries than teenagers and adults, who are more likely to experience wounds to the wrists and hands.

Emma Hudgell, Community Education Manager, said: “At Wood Green we feel it is extremely important to promote ways of having fun with your dog but also staying safe. For this reason the Charity’s Education team have put together a dog safety video aimed at families with an existing dog, those who may visit dogs – for example, at a relative’s home – or those thinking of getting a dog in the future.

“The video looks at how to read a dog’s body language, when to leave even the friendliest dog alone, and how to safely meet a dog for the first time, and sits alongside the series of talks and activities offered by Wood Green’s Education team to all age groups.”

View the video here: www.woodgreen. org.uk/pet_advice/dog_safety The Charity’s next free ‘Living with Dogs’ workshop takes place at the Godmanchester Centre on 18 November. www.woodgreen.org.uk/events/

Adoption Overhaul Across the UK over 6,000 children are waiting to find an adoptive family, but for 1 in 4 it is likely to remain only a dream. And for every year a child waits their chances of being adopted reduce by 20%. This year’s National Adoption Week, taking place 2-9 November, hopes to change that so that every child waiting in care finds somewhere they can feel safe and loved.

Since its launch in 1997 National Adoption Week has gone from strength to strength, reaching

All children to start learning a language at primary school As of this term, teaching a language will become mandatory from Key Stage Two (ages 7 to 11).

Schools will be free to choose from French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Latin or Ancient Greek. At Key Stage 3 the guidelines stipulate that a modern language must be taught. Most schools already have some provision for teaching languages, but the new guidelines mean that that there will be a more uniform approach across England, with a greater focus on grammar and written language.

According to the DfES programme of study:

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NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2014

“A high-quality languages education should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. The teaching should enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing.”

With English teenagers scoring lowest for first foreign language skills in a recent European Commission study of 16 countries, the move to starting earlier is a positive first step towards improving language skills in all key stages.

Disney on Ice celebrates 100 years of magic!

This One of a Kind skating spectacular features more than 60 lovable Disney characters. Having wowed audiences all over the world in ‘Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic’, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends from Disney’s Mulan, The Lion King and Pinocchio, and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story, will be bringing the on-ice spectacular to the UK this autumn and winter! Produced by Feld Entertainment, this fanfare production features more than 60 unforgettable Disney stars that span the decades, a sing-along score of

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people across the UK who want to know more about adoption and reminding them about the difference adoption can make to a child’s life.

The National Adoption Week website is packed with advice and support for people thinking of adopting a child, as well as help for adopted children, birth parents and adoptive parents.

Find out more about adoption at www.first4adoption.org.uk and www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk.

award-winning Disney music, stunning choreography, elaborate sets and beautiful costumes. disneyonice.co.uk

20% OFF COOL KIDS CLOTHES AT PO.P

The Mini Hornit

Brand new from the creator of the innovative safety device, Hornit, The Mini Hornit is a colourful sound machine and light for scooters and bikes, with a safety-conscious remote trigger so that children don’t have to take a hand off the handlebar to use it.

With 25 fun sound effects and available in four different colour combinations, the Mini Hornit ticks all the boxes for the discerning child on the move, whilst also providing important safety features to keep us parents happy. It lights the riders’ paths, and gives them the opportunity to warn pedestrians they’re on their way whilst never compromising their balance by moving their hands.

The Mini Hornit’s silicon wings cleverly stretch around the handlebars on any bike or scooter to secure it, making it easy to remove and throw in a bag when the bike is locked up outside the shop.

The Mini Hornit retails at £19.99 www.thehornit.com

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News & views

Party Time at Polarn O Pyret

Polarn O.Pyret christmas collection features exciting prints, and bold vibrant colours, that aim to brighten up even the dullest wintry days. Taking inspiration from traditional Swedish Christmases, this collection has been designed with play in mind. After all what use is a sledge when it’s too cold to play out? With a multitude of clever design features, and fun and exciting prints children will love, ‘tis the season to be jolly, this Christmas at PO.P Families Cambridgeshire has teamed up with PO.P to offer readers an exclusive 20% discount at the Polarn O.Pyret store in The Grand Arcade by showing or quoting POPSMART at the checkout until 24th December 2014.

Offer applies to full price items only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

Stamp Out Bullying

Bespoke Cake Designs in Wisbech & Kings Lynn 01945 587111 joanna@simply-scrumptious-cakes.co.uk

simply-scrumptious-cakes.co.uk

National Anti-Bullying Week takes place 17-21 November, with this year’s theme of Let’s Stop Bullying Together. The Anti-Bullying Week website is packed with resources for schools, parents and children, plus online workshops and short films on how to survive bullying.

To accompany National Anti-Bullying Week, Actionwork is running Anti-Bullying Month throughout November, with a theme of creatively dealing with bullying. The Anti-Bullying Roadshow tours the UK showcasing a variety of strategies in dealing with bullying, and highlighting ways to empowerment. Music and science, strategies and up-to-date research on bullying are all used in the workshops, plus they run puppet shows for younger children and creative cyberbullying workshops for older kids.

National Anti-Bullying Week recommends ChildLine as an excellent resource on how to spot bullying, possible reasons of why bullying occurs and suggestions on how to stop it.

Find out more about bullying and how to stop it, as well as everything you need to know about Anti-Bullying Week at www.antibullyingweek.co.uk or www.childline.co.uk

‘Nearly New Sales’ Comes to Cambridgeshire The award winning UK Baby & Children’s Market comes to Cambridgeshire. The original and well respected pop-up, Nearly New Sales, where smart parents buy, sell and save a fortune on children’s items is now in Cambridgeshire with markets in Cambridge, St Neots and Huntingdon. Local Mums and Dads can go along to their local Baby and Children’s Markets to sell on their quality nearly new baby and children’s items from birth to 8 years. The markets are attended by money savvy parents who are keen to make and save money for their growing families, what’s more parents can shop while the children are happy being transformed by face painters or amused by entertainers.

The next market near you is: Saturday November 8th, 2pm - 4pm, Baby & Children’s Market, The Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon, PE29 3AQ. £1 entry, kids free. Look out for more venues in 2015.

Stalls must be pre-booked. www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2014

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Families Fun Sledging and IceSliding

The North Pole Ice Rink

WHEN? All year round

WHEN? 21 November – 5 January

WHERE? SnoZone Milton Keynes

WHERE? Parker’s Piece, Parkside, Cambridge

HOW MUCH? From £3.50 To be guaranteed a white Christmas this year visit the SnoZone Milton Keynes covered in real snow all year round, offering a whole new world of fun! Children and their parents can play around in the snow, go sledging and ice sliding. www.snozoneuk.com

HOW MUCH? Family ticket £33 The North Pole Cambridge Christmas Festival is back, taking place throughout the festive season and bringing you an icy extravaganza in the heart of the city centre. Skate in style at one of the most stunning open-air ice rinks the UK has to offer and glide around the new 600m Ice Rink. Plus, enjoy the wide array of traditional entertainment rides & fun interactive side stalls, which will have something for everyone. Sample the delicious pop up food market, brought to you by local company Food park Cambridge and be tempted by tasty treats from around the world. Enter our competition on page 3 to be in with a chance of winning a family ticket!

Christmas Gift & Food Fair

WHERE? Ely Cathedral

HOW MUCH? Free Whether you’re looking for a special gift, accessories or decorations to complete your festive ensemble, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Attractions include floral presentations, cookery demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a festival food hall, vintage carousel, reindeer and elves! www.elycathedral.org

W hat’s On places Things to do, e h a d… to go, fun to b

Christmas Craft Fair WHEN? 15 -16 November 10am -5pm

WHERE? Wimpole Estate, Cambridge

HOW MUCH? £4, Under14’s Free Wimpole’s festive season starts up with the fantastic Christmas Craft Fair.

Find unique and unusual presents from over fifty craft stalls, visit the Stable Block shops and enjoy mulled wine and tasty mince pies. wimpolehall@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wimpole-estate 01223 206 000

Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure WHEN? 15 - 16 November

WHERE? Cambridge Corn Exchange

HOW MUCH? Family Ticket £59 When there’s trouble under the sea, the Octonauts dive into action!

Get ready to embark on an exciting new mission with an underwater adventure with super heroes Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso, in the brand new live stageshow.

01223 357851 www.cornex.co.uk

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encourage birds into your garden.

Booking essential. visitor.services@neneparktrust. org.uk 01733 234193

It’s Magic!

WHEN? 18 -19 November 10 -11am WHERE? Fitwilliam Museum

HOW MUCH? £3 per child.

Ages 2 - 5 (Children must be accompanied by an adult) Looking at art can be magical.

Explore work in the collections and make art of your own in the studio to take home. Booking essential. education@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk 01223 332904

Jack and The Beanstalk

WHEN? 4 December - 4 January

WHERE? Key Theatre Peterborough HOW MUCH? Child £12 Adult £15.50 Jack may have his head in the clouds but when he trades the family cow for magic beans, his mother, Dame Trott, is not amused!

Join us to see if Jack can save the village from the larger than life giant and rescue the old cow… Daisy. www.vivacity-peterborough.com 01733 207239

WHEN? 21 – 23 November

WHERE? Sandringham Park

HOW MUCH? Adults £6.50, Children £2, under 5’s Free Scores of specialists will be offering a range of unique handmade gifts that’s bound to include something just right for someone you know. www.craft-show.co.uk

Winter Lights

WHEN? 16 November 10.30am 12.00m and 13.30pm - 15.00pm

HOW MUCH? Free Join park rangers for a short walk around Ferry Meadows to spot the birds that can be seen at this time of year then head inside and make a bird feeder to take home and

booking a family film.

Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he begins to realize that city life is not all he had imagined – until he meets the kindly Brown family, who read the label around his neck (‘Please look after this bear. Thank you.’) www.theluxecinema.co.uk 01945 588808

Christmas Fair: Crafts, Food and Gifts

Family Winter Bird Walk WHERE? Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough

CONTACT www.thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk

ages!

WHEN? 28 - 29 November, 5, 7, 12 and 14 December.

Paddington

WHEN? November

WHERE? The Luxe Cinema, Wisbech HOW MUCH? Family tickets £22.

Half price children’s tickets when showing the Families advert when

WHERE? Anglesey Abbey, Cambridge

HOW MUCH? £35 for a family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children).

Winter Garden and Riverside paths of these famous gardens will be illuminated at night -highlighting the natural beauty, shape and texture of the trees and shrubs. Music will drift through the trees, whilst entertainers will enthrall visitors young and old alike.

CONTACT 01223 810080 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey

Please quote Families when booking any of these events

WHEN? 14 - 15 November 9.30 am to 4.30pm

Families Fun Aladdin

Aladdin

WHERE? Cambridge Arts Theatre

WHERE? The Cresset Theatre Peterborough

WHEN? 4 December - 11 January HOW MUCH? from £12.50 The son of a humble washerwoman, Aladdin Twankey dreams of a better life filled with adventure. When an evil wizard Abanazer persuades Aladdin to help him on a dangerous quest to find a magic lamp. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com 01223 503333

WHEN? 12 - 30 December

HOW MUCH? from £11.50 This magical story is brought to life with stunning sets, fantastic costumes and an outrageous cast of characters. Full of traditional pantomime thrills and spills song, dance and audience participation it’s a festive treat for all the family.

01733 265705 www.cresset.co.uk

Cambridgeshire Music Christmas Gala WHEN? 23 December

WHERE? Cambridge Corn exchange

HOW MUCH? Family Ticket £22.50 Join the Cambridgeshire County Youth Orchestra, playing alongside members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, for a programme of festive family fun. Featuring a range of seasonal classics, including White Christmas.

01223 357851 www.cornex.co.uk

A Festival of Carols

Around the World in 80 Days

WHEN? 5th December 7pm WHERE? Ely Cathedral

HOW MUCH? £30/£22/£15 & £10 The Cathedral choir will perform a wonderful collection of music ranging from traditional carols to specially arranged festive choral pieces. They will be joined on stage by special guest Laura Wright, one of the biggest selling classical artists of the decade. www.elycathedral.org 01353 660349

A Christmas Celebration WHEN? 6,7,8,9,13 and 14 December 12.00pm – 5.00pm

WHERE? Peckover House, Wisbech

HOW MUCH? Family ticket £17.00 Child £3.40 Selected rooms of Peckover House will be decorated for Christmas with festive floral arrangements and Christmas trees. Music by local choirs and musicians. Mulled wine and homemade mince pies available in the Reed Barn www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ peckover-house 01945 583463

Christmas Fair

WHEN? 8 December - 4 January WHERE? Cambridge Junction

WHEN? Saturday 13th December 11.00am – 3.00pm WHERE? Ferry Meadows Country Park

HOW MUCH? Free Attractions will include carol singers, a petting farm and a ‘Santa’s Workshop’ providing seasonal craft activities for children. Shop for Christmas presents and decorations from a range of crafts in the Christmas market.

CONTACT 01733 234193 visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk

HOW MUCH? Family ticket £40 Join Phileas Fogg and his faithful servant Passepartout in their audacious plan to navigate the globe in just 80 days. Will they make it home in time for Christmas? www.junction.co.uk

Cinderella

WHEN? 22 December – 11 January WHERE? KD Theatre, The Maltings Ely HOW MUCH? Family tickets £40 In the Kingdom of Ely Ever After, the dashing Prince Charming is searching for a wife. A beautiful young girl named Cinderella who is treated like a slave by her two ugly stepsisters dreams of escape and romance. With the help of her magical Fairy Godmother, Cinderella’s luck is about to change. www.kdtheatre.co.uk 01638 781037

Hark the Herald - Annual Carol Concert Mill Road Winter Fair

WHEN? 6 December 10.30am 4.30pm WHERE? Mill Rd Cambridge

HOW MUCH? Free A fantastic day of delicious food, entertainment, community, creativity and fun in Cambridge’s most vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood. www.millroadwinterfair.org

WHEN? Monday 22 December 7.30 PM WHERE? Ely Cathedral

HOW MUCH? Tickets £20, £16, £10 under 16s £7.50 in £10 seats.

A magical evening of traditional carols and seasonal music performed by the Cathedral Choristers and the Choir of Ely Cathedral. Supported by Cambridge based brass ensemble, Prime Brass. www.elycathedral.org 01353 660349

Disney on Ice Celebrates 100 Years WHEN? 24, 26 - 29 Dec, 3 - 4 Jan WHERE? London O2 Arena

HOW MUCH? from £20.25 Mickey and Minnie lead the fun in this on-ice spectacular that has wowed audiences all over the world. With Disney classics such as ‘A Whole New World’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’, which bring everyone’s favorite memories of Disney to life on ice.

CONTACT www.disneyonice.co.uk

NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2014

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SHOWING THIS MONTH AT THE LUXE CINEMA IN WISBECH…

BOX OFFICE: 01945 588808 TIMES: WWW.THELUXECINEMA.COM

The Luxe offers a lounge area for pre and post-film drinks and nibbles and a waitress service in the auditorium whilst relaxing in the comfort of a two seater sofa or an armchair!

SPECIAL OFFER! HALF PRICE CHILDREN’S TICKETS WHEN BOOKING ANY KID’S FILM WITH THIS ADVERT Family tickets £22, Children (13 and under) £6 Adults £7 Alexandra Road | Wisbech | PE13 1HQ

ALSO SHOWING ‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE' IN DECEMBER!

Real Christmas Trees in stock from end of November

Skylark Garden Centre, Manea Road, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0PE www.skylarkmaizemaze.co.uk, 01354 741 212

Families Fun

Church Farm

Nene Valley Railway

WHERE? Stowbardolph Nr Downham Market

WHEN? 4th -23rd December, every Thursday – Sunday

WHERE? Departs from Wansford – Peterborough

HOW MUCH? Entry to Father Christmas is £8.50 per child and includes a present.

Father Christmas will be in his magical woodland retreat no need to book, just turn up for a warm welcome from the white bearded gentleman and his elf. You can also visit the ‘real life’ nativity scenes with resident animals in starring roles!

01366 382162. www. churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk

WHEN? 30th November to 24th December, 9.30am to 3.30pm HOW MUCH? Prices start at £12.50 Let your festivities begin with Father Christmas at the Nene Valley Railway where the whole family will enjoy themselves on this Christmas outing. Your Father Christmas experience starts with a visit to his log cabin where each child receives a special present from the man himself.

Families then join the decorated train for a 55 minute ride to Peterborough and return. On board the train staff serves the children with a drink and chocolates.

Parents and other adults receive a serving of a mince pie with either an alcoholic miniature, wine or a hot drink. Father Christmas walks through the train to see the children and to wish everyone the compliments of the season.

01780 784444 www.nvr.org.uk

WHERE TO FIND

father Christmas How to keep your little elves happy this festive season!

Santa's Christmas Jungle Grotto WHERE? Shepreth Wildlife Park

WHEN? 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th 24th December

A Victorian Christmas WHERE? Audley End House and Gardens – Saffron Walden WHEN? Sat 29th – Sun 30th Nov Sat 6th – Sun 7th Dec HOW MUCH? Family £39.78 with an additional £5 per child to visit Father Christmas in his workshop Encounter a range of costumed characters preparing the house for the festive season, meet Father Christmas and his reindeer and take part in a festive fun trail around the house and grounds. Try some hot chestnuts from the fire, dance to festive tunes and even make your own Victorian toy to take away with you. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ audley 0870 333 1181

HOW MUCH? £10. All proceeds go to the Shepreth Hedgehog Hospital Father Christmas and his merry elves will be spreading cheer and giving out presents! Each child will have 5 minutes with Father Christmas and a special gift. www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

Santa's Grotto

Christmas Wonderland

WHERE? Maize Maze Skylark Garden Centre, March

WHEN? From Saturday 15th November

WHEN? Weekends from the 29th Nov to 21st Dec HOW MUCH? Entry is just £5.00 per child or £4.00 with the advert opposite.

At skylark this year visit the real life traditional nativity before meeting Father Christmas in his grotto. Every child who visits Father Christmas will receive a special Christmas gift then afterwards why not warm up with a hot chocolate or an all day breakfast in the award winning cafe. Children eat free! www.skylarkmaizemaze.co.uk 01354 741212

WHERE? Paultons Park, Hampshire

HOW MUCH? from £22.

The world’s first and UK exclusive Peppa Pig World, will be home to a sparkling wonderland, complete with a snowy grotto. Children and parents can wander through a magical winter scene where animated characters, including Rudolph and Donner the reindeer, sing and dance. The amazing land allows youngsters to meet with Father Christmas’s elves, working hard in the toy factory. To make the journey truly magical; children can meet Father Christmas himself and receive an exciting present then watch the Christmas adventure film, Sleigh Ride, at the Park’s state-of-the-art 4D cinema. The family can join reindeer Blitzen and elf Bobo on their journey as they help Santa and save Christmas.

All visits must be pre-booked. Selected Paultons Park rides will not be open for Santa’s Christmas Wonderland. www.paultonspark.co.uk/attractions/christmas-wonderlandpeppapigworld

NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2014

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Families Health

ENERGIZE HELPS CHILDREN ACHIEVE A HEALTHY WEIGHT

Helping your kids make informed choices about food and activity… nergiZe is a free programme for families with children aged 7 – 11 who are above their ideal weight. Each week the families attend a 2 hour workshop including interactive games, healthy eating and physical activity. A different theme runs through each session to provide you with the skills and knowledge to ‘eat well, play better and have fun.’

EnergiZe runs for 12 weeks with follow-on support for up to a year.

Stuart and Sarah have just completed the12 weekly EnergiZe sessions with their two children.

They said: ‘The children have felt very involved in the EnergiZe sessions. They have given us the skills to understand food labels, what to look for to make better choices and helped us gain an understanding of how much fat and sugar we actually need.

As well as learning about the benefits of

healthy eating the children have also enjoyed the physical activity. Our two children are definitely more aware of what they eat and how active they are. They are showing more responsibility and making better choices for themselves. Their confidence and concentration has certainly improved since starting EnergiZe. As parents we have become better role models by actions and not words.

We have found EnergiZe very positive, have made changes for the better and are looking forward to the follow on sessions.”

Sally has completed the full EnergiZe programme with her daughter May and commented, “EnergiZe has enabled us to make informed choices about the types of food we eat and has encouraged us to fit regular activity into our busy lives. We are enjoying being more active together, having more

As well out as learning ab lthy f hea the benefits o dren eating the chil the yed have also enjo ity. physical activ

EnergiZe kids are healthy, happy kids!

energy and feel really happy about achieving individual goals we have set ourselves.”

For more information or to register for a place on EnergiZe please email energize@nhs.net or call 01480 376300

Are you worried your child is above their ideal weight?

Is your child aged between 7 – 11?

Then join Cambridgeshire’s free 12 week family programme

EnergiZe for more information email: energize@nhs.net or contact the EnergiZe team on

01480 376300 Enrolling families today

eat well.....play better.....have fun

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Families Feature

MINDFULNESS, THE SECRET TO HAPPY PARENTING indfulness is the difference between being a DOer and a BEer. As parents today, we often experience high levels of pressure and stress to make sure our children become well-rounded individuals. We pack their lives with a variety of activities and sports clubs to keep them fit, sociable and confident, encourage them to do well at school, make the right friends and painstakingly pore over every decision about their education. The daily routine of family life with all its chores and demands and our own feelings of responsibility to ensure our children are confident, independent, responsible and happy can all make for very stressed and exhausted parents. Basically what I am saying is that if we are not physically on the go, we are mentally on the go; thinking about what to do and where to be next.

It’s no wonder that 90% of parents describe themselves as frantic rather than fun.

ERKS SUZANNE, B It’s no wonder that parents today have become DOers rather than BEers.

It’s not helped by the fact we’re always having to take calls, check texts and e-mails; our children quickly realise they don’t have our full attention when we’re attached to our tablet, laptop or phone! This can also create huge challenges when we try and tackle the issue of their screen time too. The effect of this “full on all the time” way of life is that we are never really in the moment or mindfully there for ourselves or our children and this can have a negative effect on us both!

For us, it can cause stress/irritability and exhaustion and we can start to react to situations in a much more negative way.

We stop listening properly to our children; we are just too busy thinking about other things. We forget to enjoy the small moments with them and sadly miss out on opportunities to praise them. We then often start to feel guilty as deep down we know that this is not the parent we want to be and we can start to lose our confidence as a parent. This can encourage self-doubt in our children too as they can start to think that we don’t want to be with them. They start playing up to get

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our full attention as they know we always react when they are fighting or misbehaving. They feel that we are not listening and start not listening to us, or each other. They start mimicking our behaviour and becoming like us!! Our stress is being passed on to them. But the good news is that the key to mindfulness can be achieved by anyone, anywhere.

Mindfulness aims for you to fully focus on each moment you are with your children. Mindfulness helps you to find the balance between being a DOer and a BEer. When we do become “mindfully there”, we become a great role model for our children based on respect, care and deep love. Since we are fully aware of what they say, do and feel we really get to know our children again and re-connect with them. We feel proud of ourselves at the end of each day as we feel we are doing the right thing, even if things haven’t gone to plan! We gain energy and motivation as a parent as we start to see the same emotions and feelings manifesting themselves in our children. We will have a positive and dynamic focus on problem-solving in stressful situations and become more open-minded to positive discipline. Our children develop healthy social skills based on listening and respect for other people. They become like us (and in a good way!) and we start to have fun together again!

Awareness is the first key to mindfulness. Our daily tasks and challenges are not going to go away but when you become aware that you are not “in the moment” and are just too busy thinking about other things or multi-tasking, remind yourself why you need to focus now. Relax your body, breathe slowly and look at your children and smile. Try to think more calmly and remember that mindful parents become essentially better able to manage difficult situations and issues arising in the family and within themselves.

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Parenting Success offers parenting workshops and oneto-one parent coaching on all family issues. To find out more go to www.parentingsuccesscoaching.com.

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Families Feature

TINY TEMPER! How to… Get your children to behave. By Hannah Hunter

icture the scene. You’re at the supermarket and you’ve refused your child something that they want, causing them to freak out and scream loudly. You react by shouting back at them. Before long the situation is out of hand, with both of you at full-volume and people staring.

All kids will have a tantrum at some point, some simple steps can help to avoid this behaviour or at least lessen it. Trying a bit of distraction when the anger starts to build up - telling a joke, pulling a silly face - can be really effective.

If it’s too late for humour, then take a deep breath and a mental step back. Is their behaviour really unreasonable? Can you just ignore it and carry on with your shopping?

Maybe you have a spare few minutes to put the trolley aside and take them out of the situation?

It could be either out of that aisle or maybe even out of the supermarket, where you can both calm down.

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POSITIVE PARENTING This approach may seem like pie in the sky when faced with a screaming 3-year old, but it’s never too early to try what the NSPCC calls ‘positive parenting’. If you show love and affection to your child and praise them when they are behaving well, they will associate getting attention with good behaviour.

Active ignoring is encouraged, while physical punishments like smacking should be off limits: “smacking or biting back gives a very confusing message – that it is OK to use force or to hit physically when you are angry or to make a point.”

So when you feel like you’re at the end of your tether, try to stay calm.

After all, a toddler having a tantrum in the supermarket is one thing, but a screaming adult in the frozen food aisle? Not a good look…

Here are some hints from leading Clinical Psychologist, Professor Tanya Byron, on how to smooth out behavioural problems, and get the best from your child.

1. BE POSITIVE “One of the biggest mistakes we make

say nothing to them when they’re behaving nicely.

“Ignore the behaviour you don’t want. Instead, emphasise the positive with cuddles, kisses, and praise, and tell them all the things they need to hear in order for them to understand they will get attention for doing things nicely.”

2. DISTRACTION “As soon as you feel the temper rising, distract them onto something else: a funny song, story, or ‘did you see that green squirrel with orange stripes just fly past the window?’”

3. IGNORING “Ignoring gives the message that the behaviour gets no reward and if you use this technique alongside praising every lovely behaviour, your

children will get a very powerful message.”

4. TIME OUT “First ask your child to stop misbehaving. If that doesn’t work, ask again, but more firmly. This gives the child two chances to change his or her behaviour, and if they do, you praise them.

“If they refuse to stop the behaviour, or if the tantrum escalates, you go for Time Out. Take your child firmly but with no attention to a safe place where you can leave them for a period of one minute for each year of their life (i.e. three minutes for a three-year-old) up to a maximum of five minutes. You should not talk to your child through the door or give them any other form of attention during the Time Out period.

“Once the Time Out period is over, explain to your child why they were Timed Out and then move on and praise them at the first opportunity.”

5. TANTRUMS “Tantrums happen to all parents. They do not mean you are a bad parent. You can try to prevent them with praise and sticker charts. If that fails, you can try to distract the tantrums away. But once started, the best way to stop them is to ignore them. “Remember: distract, ignore, but do not punish.”

6. REWARDS “At home, a sticker chart is a great way of encouraging good behaviour. Each time your child is good, give them a sticker. Naughty behaviour gets a ‘sad face’. Points mean prizes enough stickers get them a treat.”

7. POSITIVE EXAMPLE “It’s straightforward but it works - your children will copy you. Swear and they will swear, smack and they will smack. Lead by example.”

Professor Byron’s new book, The Skeleton Cupboard, is out now, published by Pan Macmillan. www.panmacmillan.com/book/ tanyabyron/theskeletoncupboard

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Families Reviews

FAMILIES READING ROOM

Here’s our Winter book selections for you to enjoy…

KATIE’S LONDON CHRISTMAS

BY JAMES MAYHEW (Orchard £11.99) ‘It’s that time of year when anything can happen – Christmas! Katie and Jack have fallen asleep but are suddenly woken by a loud sneeze. They creep downstairs to see who is there and can’t believe their eyes. But Father Christmas, as well as having a cold, has so much to do. The children offer to help and so set out on a magical sleigh ride across London through swirling snowflakes – finishing with a very special delivery.

FAMILIES SAYS: ‘This is a lovely story with stunning illustrations by this talented writer / artist. It is sure to enthrall young readers and would make a glittering gift for boys or girls.’

SPLASH LANDING

BY JAN BURCHETT & SARA VOGLER (Orion £4.99) ‘Tom Bright is woken by a strange noise and is greeted by an equally strange sight when he goes into the garden to see what is happening. Tom has no idea what it is but it appears to be a talking animal. It explains that it is a Satnik from Saturn and is on a secret mission to explore Earth. Tom can’t resist helping and so embarks on an exciting adventure with his new friend and pet. But pets from space might just get you into trouble!

FAMILIES SAYS: ‘Here are two stories in a fantastic new series which will delight young readers reading on their own or reading together. There is laugh out loud fun from start to finish.’

THE SPAGHETTI YETI

BY KATE PANKHURST (Orion £4.99) ‘Mariella Mystery hopes to become a super sleuth.

When Mariella goes on holiday with her family and friends, she’s hoping she will have the chance to practise her powers of detection. Mariella and her friends are thrilled with the campsite, café and ice-cream parlour but they soon decide something strange is afoot when they realise there might be a spaghetti-stealing creature hiding in the woods. Will the Mystery Girls be able to outwit the spaghetti yeti?

FAMILIES SAYS: ‘This is a brilliant story with amazing illustrations throughout. It sparkles with humour from beginning to end.’

DIARY OF DORKIUS MAXIMUS IN POMPEII

BY TIM COLLINS (Buster Books £7.99) ‘Dorkius loves living in Rome but he has to spend the summer in Pompeii. He thinks it is going to be deadly boring but instead it turns out to be deadly. While following a trail of clues to work out how to avert danger he meets Decima and together they try to save everyone from the demon on Mount Vesuvius. Will Dorkius’ dream of becoming a Roman hero come true? Will he be able to stay alive that long?

FAMILIES SAYS: ‘This is a hilarious instalment of Dorkius’ diary. The characters are fantastic and show the reader aspects of Roman history as well as bringing excitement and adventure.’

Families Gifts 1

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Good old-fashioned

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Stocking Fillers Fun for them (and you?!) this Christmas with more than a hint of nostalgia…

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1. Classic Wooden Pop Gun Dotcomgiftshop, £12.95

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2. Mr Potato Head Debenhams, £7.95 3. Glow in the Dark Stars 10 Little Birds, £4.95 4. Classic Practical Joke Nerdy Disguise Kit Dotcomgiftshop £3.95 5. Classic Practical Joke Snappy Gum Dotcomgiftshop, £1.50 6. T Rex Rattle Oliver Bonas, £10.00 7. Hammer and Pin Set Tiger Stores, £7.00

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8. Traditional Wooden Knitting Doll Set Dotcomgiftshop, £3.95 9. Get Smart Electronic Robot Marks and Spencer £19.50 10. Bouquet Bead Set Great Little Trading Company, £12

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