KIDSPARTIES
Decorationinspirationfor yourchild’sparty
ByJodieHerron
Planningachildren’sbirthdaypartyisallaboutcreatingafun,excitingatmosphereandtherightdecorationscancompletely changethelookandfeelofaroom.Whetheryourchildlovescolourfulcharacters,sportyset-upsorabitofsparkle,thereareso manycreativeoptionstochoosefrom.Herearesomeideas.
PAWPATROL
Forchildrenwholovemagicandmusicals, aWicked-inspiredthemebringsatouch ofdramaandsparkle.Gofordeep greenandpinkcolourschemes, glitterystarsandwhimsicalpropsto createanenchantedpartysetting. Withthemedtablewareand decorationslikebroomsticksand witchhats,youcandesigna scenethatfeelstheatricaland imaginative;perfectforgames andfantasyfun!
APawPatrol-themedpartyis alwaysahit,especiallywitha brand-newmoviearrivinglater thisyear.Complementthetheme byfeaturingfavouritepupslike Chase,MarshallandSkyeon hangingdecorations,bannersand more.Forabrilliantfocalpoint amongmatchingballoonsand cardboardcutouts ryaPaw Patrolpiñata.
STITCH
FOOTBALL
Oneofthesweetesttrendingparty themeslatelyisHelloKitty.Adorable decorationslikeHelloKittyfoilor printedlatexballoons,colourful bannersandmatchingtableware createacute,co-ordinatedsetup. Featuringherclassicdesign (includinghericonicbow!),along withherequallyadorablefriends, thedecorationsforthistheme deliverafun,cutefeelthat’sperfect forbirthdaycelebrations.
Forsportsfans,afootballthemedpartycreates instantexcitement.Use greentablerunnerstomimic apitch,addfootballbanners andclusterballoonsinteamcoloursforastadium feel.Scatterfootballconfettiacrosstablesandincludematching platesandcupstocompletethelook.Thisthemeworksindoorsor outdoorsandpairsperfectlywithsimplegameslikepenaltyshootoutsortargetchallengestokeepthefunactive.
HARRYSTYLES/ DISCOTHEME
Combinepopstarflairwith retrodiscostyleforaparty fullofmusicandmovement. Thinksequins,metallic fringes,discoballsandbold coloursplashestotransform yourspaceintoaminidance floor.Star-shapedballoons andshimmeringbannersadd glamour,whileneonaccents keepthevibeplayful.This themeworksbrilliantlywithapartyplaylist,HarryStylescutout andsimpledancegames,encouraginggueststoshowofftheir movesandcelebrateinsparklingstyle.
Foratropicaltwist,Stitch decorationsbringplayful islandvibestoanybirthday. Brightcolours,Hawaiian-style garlands,palmleavesandbold bannerssetthescene.Consider creatingathemedbackdrop withfloraldetailsandcharacter cut-outsforafunphotoarea. Co-ordinatedplates,cupsand balloonstieeverythingtogether andyoucanusesmallthemedfavours tocompletethelook.Thisthemeworksespeciallywellfor summerpartiesbutcanbringsunshinetoindoorcelebrations allyearround.
PRINCESS&FAIRYTALES
Forallthesedecorations,accessoriesandmanymore, visitwww.partyrama.co.uk
Aprincessandfairytaletheme instantlytransformsanyspace intoamagicalkingdom.Softpastel colours,goldaccentsandplentyof sparklecreateadreamyatmosphere. Castlebackdrops,crown-shaped balloonsandglitterybannersmake eye-catchingdecorations,while themedplatesandcupstieeverything together.Addtulletableskirts,star confettiandathrone-stylechairforthe birthdaychildtocreateaperfectphoto spot.Wandortiarapartyfavoursdouble asfunaccessoriesandkeepsakes,makingthisathemefullof enchantment.
Gaming-themeddecorisa favouriteforolderkids.Pixel-style banners,brightcolourblocking andLEDstringlightscancreate animmersiveatmosphereinspired bypopularvideogames.Add controller-printedtablewareor characterposterstocomplete thesetup.Youcanevenfeaturea leaderboard-stylephotobackdrop orhostaminitournamenttotiedecorationsandactivities together.
GAMINGTHEME
Hello!
There’slotstoenjoyinthisissueasweheadintoearlysummer.If youareplanningtotravel,wehavethelatestappsthatwillsave youmoneyonyourholidayand,inanticipationofsomelong, warm,summerevenings,findinspirationonhowtomakethe mostoftheseason.
Asalways,you’llfindourWhat’sOnguidepackedfulloffunfor thewholefamilythisMayandJuneplusideastokeepthekids entertainedovertheMayHalf-Term.
Ifyou’relookingforchildcareovertheholidays,checkoutour localholidayclub/campslistingsandourguideforwhattosend themwithtomakesuretheyhavethebesttime.
MeettheHeadisback!ThisissueweinterviewedMrMorrow, HeadmasterofHallfieldSchool,aco-educationalindependent dayschoolforpupilsaged3monthsto16yearsinEdgbaston.
Wetacklesomeinterestingsubjectsonthethemeoftechnology includingsupportingdigitalliteracyathome,screen-free sleepoversandplaydatesandwhyintheageofdigital,learning timestablesisstillimportant.
Plus,somebrilliantparentingarticlesonwhywordsmatterwhen wetalktochildrenaboutfoodandevidence-basedresourcesfor raisingconfidentkids.
Ifyou’replanningakidspartythissummer,wehavesomefun ideasondifferentthemesyoucouldusetoelevateyour celebrationtosuiteverychild.
Finally,inthisissue,wehavetwogreatgiveawaysfrom Alphablocks&PeppaPig.Applyinsideandreceiveour e-newsletterwithmoregiveawaysandanonlineversionofthe magazinetosharewithfriendsandfamily. Enjoythemagazine!
YoungauthorfromEdgbaston publisheschildren’sbook
JashvitaSanthosh,aYear5pupilatEdgbaston HighSchoolforGirlsinBirmingham,has publishedherownchildren’sstorybook.
Atjustnineyearsold,Jashvitahascombined herloveofstorytelling,creativityand imaginationtowriteanddevelopherbook, NinaandthePinkSlinkyPortal.Thestory reflectsthemesofcourage,friendship, creativityandbelievinginyourself-values thatstronglyresonatewithyoungreaders aged4-8.
Thishasallbeenpossiblebecause ofthewonderfulsupport, encouragementandnurturing environmentprovidedbyher school.Alongsideher academicstudies,Jashvitais activelyinvolvedinmusic, sport,creativewriting,and art,andthisbookisa reflectionofherpassionand dedication.Herfamilyare incrediblyproudofher achievementandhopeher journeywillinspireotherchildrento exploretheirtalentsandbelievethatage shouldneverlimitambition.
NinaandthePinkSlinkyPortalisavailabletopurchasenow onAmazon.
Holidaydaycamp essentials
ByTanniHaas
You’vefoundagreatcampforyourkids,signedthemup andaregettingthemreadyforallthefunahead.Butwhat shouldyoupackforthemeveryday?Drawingonmyown experiencesasaseasonedparentofdaycampers,I’ve compiledthefollowinglistofthings.
Bag
Buyalightweightyetdurableandroomyb pack,madeof fabricornylon.It’susefulifithasmanycompartments,sothat youcanputdifferentitemsindifferentplaces,includingan outsidepocketforthewaterbottle.
Hat,sunglassesandsunscreen
Ifthey’respendingmuchorallofthedayoutside,shadesanda hatwillkeepthemcoolandcomfortable.Teachyourkidshowto applysunscreenproperlywithoutgettingitintheireyes,earsor mouth.Applyitinthemorningbeforetheyleaveforcampand encouragethemtoreapplyduringtheday.
Foodandsnacks
Packoneortwosandwichesandsomehealthysnacksincase theygethungrybeforeand/orafterlunch.Putallthefoodina thermalbagsothatitstayscoolandfreshallday.
Handsanitiserandwetwipes
Let’sfaceit:kidsgetdirty,especiallyifthey’respendingalot oftimeoutside.Packsomehandsanitiserandwetwipesand instructthemonhowtousethemproperlyandfrequently.
PlasticorZiplocbags
Packacoupleofplasticbagsor,evenbetter,Ziplocbags-great foranywetitemslikeswimsuitsortowels.
Prescriptionmedication
Ifyourkidsareyoung,givethecamporganisersanyprescription medicationtheyneed.Olderkidsmaybehappytocarrythe medicationthemselves.
Swimminggear
Manydaycampsincludetripstothepoolorother‘wet’ activities.Alwayshaveswimminggearpacked.
breakfastclubsexpand
Universalfreebreakfastclubsareexpandingacross England.Another500schoolsjoinedtheschemeinApril meaningmorethan1,250schoolsarenowoffering morningmeals,benefitinganestimated300,000children. Thegovernmentsaysafurther1,500schoolswilljoinin September,bringingthetotaltoaround2,750andextending provisiontoroughly680,000childrenbytheautumn.
Theexpansionof breakfastclubsaimstoreducestigma aroundtargetedsupport,givingchildrenacalmerstarttothe dayandsavingfamiliesupto£450ayearthroughreduced morningcosts.
Earlyevaluationspointtobenefitsforattendance,behaviour andattainment.
AstheschemerollsoutinMay,campaignerssaythepriorityis ensuringschoolshavethestaff,spaceandfundingtoscaleup withoutcompromisingquality.
Waterbottle
Packareusablewaterbottle,ideallyinaneasilyaccessible compartment.Putthebottleinthefreezerovernightsothatit stayscool.
Hoodyorlightrainjacket
Itcangetchilly–and,ofcourse,itmayrain.Packalightweight windbreakerorahoody,dependingontheweatherforecast.
…andalittlesurprise
Putalittlesurpriseitem(afavouritesnackoranI-love-younote) inaplacewhereyouknowyourkidswilllook,likeintheirlunch box.It’llputasmileontheirfacesandensuretheyhaveagreat day.
TanniHaas,Ph.D.isaProfessorintheDepartmentof CommunicationArts,SciencesandDisordersatTheCity UniversityofNewYork.
Tryfamilycampthisyear
Familycampstypicallyofferresidentialaccommodationin cabinsortents,withsports,craftsoroutdooractivitiesfor all;includingauntsanduncles,cousinsandgrandparents too!They’regreatplacestowakeuptogethertoadayoffun activitieswithnotightschedules,worriesordistractions. Whattoexpect
Awiderangeofactivitiesforallinterestsandabilitiesanda no-electronicdevicepolicy-perfectforfocusingonenjoying eachother’scompany.
Makingitwork:toptips
Planyourextendedfamilybreaktogetherasagroup. Thinkaboutthebesttimeforallofyoutogoawayandtalk aboutthekindsofactivitiesthatyouallwouldenjoy. Agreeaheadonhowmealtimeshoppingandpreppingwill work.
Factorin‘me’timeforfamilymemberswhoarelessgung-ho orneedaquieteradultbreak. Finally,lookforafamilycampthatyoucanallaffordandgetto withouttoomuchtrouble.
LocalHolidayClubs&Camps
MayHalf-Term 26–29May2026
AckersAdventure
Birmingham
HolidaySchemeforchildren aged8–16.Tryskiing,climbing, canoeing,bellboating,kayaking, archery,tubing,discgolf, bushcraft,zipwireorfan descender.Threeexciting outdooractivitiesperday.
NEWfor2026KidsActivityWeek
–Theultimate5dayoutdoor experiencefor8–12 yearolds. Allinclusive,Mon-Fri, non-residential. ackers-adventure.co.uk
AllActiveCamps
Solihull
Actionpacked,Ofstedregistered holidaycampledbyenthusiastic andcaringstaff.Frommultisportstomusic,drama&dance, arts&crafts,gamesandoptional swimming.Forchildrenaged 5–14.
allactivecamps.com
AspireActiveCamps
SuttonColdfield,Bromsgrove, Codsall,Wombourne&Hagley Ofstedregistered,fun-filled action-packedschoolholiday camps.Rangeofvenuespecific academiestochoosefrom: Multi-sports,DanceBeatz, CricketandActiveLeaders. Ages:4–14. aaeg.co.uk/active-camps
KingsCamps
Birmingham
Over30activitiesforchildren aged5–17 includingWet Wednesdayandtheendofthe weekKingsGames.Campsthis summeratEdgbastonHigh SchoolforGirlsandKing Edward’sSchool.Flexible bookingof3,4or5daysinthe week,08:15–17:30. kingscamps.org
KitsAcademy
Walsall,Coventry,Nuneaton, Rugby,Southam&Warwick Dance,Multi-sports, Trampolining,Gymnastics, Archery&Fencing orFootball coursesduringtheschool holidaysforchildreninYear1to Year8. kitsacademy.com
SeesawsDayNursery
HolidayClubs
Birmingham,Wolverhampton &Tamworth HolidayClubsforchildren betweentheagesof4-11with indoorgamesandactivitiesplus theopportunitytogoonexciting tripsinandaroundtheMidlands. Eachclubhasaseparate programmeofactivities. seesawsdaynurseries.com /holiday-clubs
Sprint.ActiveEducation
Birmingham,Warwick,Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon&Alcester Holidaycampsdesignedforboys andgirlsaged4-11,packedfullof excitingactivities,sports,team challengesandcreativefunwith inclusive,engagingexperiences foreverychildtothrive. sprintactive.co.uk
TeamSuperSports
Birmingham,Coventry, Rugby&Solihull Award-winningholidaycampsat independentschoolsinthe Midlands.Multi-sport,high energyexperienceswhere childrenbuildskills,stayactive andhavefun.Forchildrenaged 3–16. teamsupersports.co.uk
MeettheHead ofHallfieldSchool
ThisissuewetalktoMrKeithMorrow,HeadmasterofHallfield School,Edgbaston.
HallfieldSchoolisaco-educationalindependentdayschoolwith Christianfoundations,uniquelycateringforpupilsaged3months–16years.Withareputationforacademicexcellenceandambitious curriculumwhichsitsalongsideanextensiveco-curricular programme,pupilsareabletoflourishinanevolving,inspiringand engaginglearningenvironment.Enablingeverychildtofindtheir uniquepassionsandinterestsanddiscovertheirambitionand lifelongloveoflearning.
Howwouldyourpupilsdescribeyou?
You’dhavetoaskthem!ButI’moftentoldI’mkind,approachableand enjoyagoodlaugh,alongsidearatherimpressivecollectionofties! Mostimportantly,Ihopethey’dsayIlistentothemandthattheyfeel knownandvalued.
Whatinspiredyoutobecomeateacherandlater,ahead teacher?
Ihaveveryhappymemoriesofmyownprimaryschool,especially listeningtostoriesreadbyMrsGray,sittingunderaweepingwillow treeinthesummer.ItwasaplacewhereIfeltsafe,inspiredand curiousabouttheworld.
AlthoughIoriginallythoughtIwantedtobeadoctor,everything changedwhenIvolunteeredinaprimaryschoolduringsixthform.I washookedinstantlyandIrealisedtheprofoundimpactagreatschool andgreatteacherscanhaveonachild’slife.
MyfirstHeadteacherwasahugeinspirationtome.Shebelievedinme, guidedmeandshowedmewhatstrong,compassionateleadership lookslike.Atjust30,IbecameaHeadmyself,andI’vecarriedthose lessonswithmeeversince.Wearestillclosefriendstoday,35years later.
HowwouldyoudescribetheethosofHallfieldSchool? Happy,inspiringandpurposeful.
Hallfieldisavibrant,forward-thinkingschoolwherechildrenare encouragedtobethemselves,tobecuriousandtoaimhigh.Thereisa genuinewarmthhere,combinedwithstrongacademicambition.We nurtureconfident,kindandcapableyoungpeoplewhoarereadyto thrive,bothinschoolandbeyond.
Whatarethequalitiesofagreatteacher?
Patienceaboveallelse,theability toexplainsomethingindifferent waysuntilittruly‘clicks’.Butalso,agenuinepassionforboththeir subjectandthechildrentheyteach.Greatteachersbuildrelationships, sparkcuriosity,andmakeeverychildfeelcapableofsuccess. WhatdoesbeingaHeadmeantoyou?
Itmeanscreatingaculturewhereeveryonecanflourish.Myroleisto bringouttheverybestineverychildandeverymemberofstaffandto ensurethatHallfieldcontinuestogrowasaplaceofexcellence.It’s aboutsettinghighstandards,butalsobuildingacommunitywhere childrenfeelhappy,secureandinspiredeverysingleday.
HowdoyouthinkaHeadcanmakearealdifferencetoan individualpupil?
There’sasayingIlike: theHeadsetstheclimatebuttheteachersetsthe weather.
Myresponsibilityistoensurethateverydecisionwemake,whetherit’s aboutstaffing,curriculumoropportunities,iscentredaroundthechild. Iseemyselfasanadvocateforeverypupil,makingsureeachoneis known,supportedandchallengedtobetheirverybest.
WhathaveyoubeenmostproudofsincebeingHeadof HallfieldSchool?
It’salwaysthechildren.Seeingashychildgrowinconfidence,ora nervouschildachieveascholarship,it’sthoseindividualjourneysthat mattermost.Overtheyears,manyformerpupilshavestayedintouch andit’sincrediblyrewardingtoseethethoughtful,successfuladults theybecome.KnowingthatHallfieldplayedapartinthatjourneyisa realprivilege.
Ifyouweren’tHeadofHallfieldSchool,whatwouldyoube? HallfieldismyfourthHeadship,soIimagineI’dstillbeleadingaschool somewhere!
ButifIhadchosenacompletelydifferentpath,I’dprobablybeeither anoperasingeroradetective.Ilovebothmusicandagoodmystery! Whatadvicewouldyougivetoparentschoosingaschool?
Trustyourinstincts.Childrenflourishinenvironmentswheretheyfeel happy,secureandinspired.Lookforaschoolwhereyourchildwillbe trulyknownasanindividual,notjustoneofmanyandwherethereis bothstrongpastoralcareandagenuineloveoflearning. Whatdidyouwanttobewhenyougrewup?
AdoctoruntilIdiscoveredteachinginsixthform.WhileIhave enormousadmirationfordoctors,Ihaveneveronceregrettedmy decision.Teachingandleadingaschool,isanhonour.Despitethe challenges,Iwouldchoosethispathagaineverytime.
Whatisyourmostuselessskill?
Recognisingthemakeofmostcars justfromtheirlightclusters! SlightlynerdyI’mafraid. Whatisyourreal-life superpower?
Seeingtheworldthroughtheeyes ofachildandneverlosingsightof whatmattersmosttothem.
NetflixorKindle?
Netflix-Ido enjoyagoodfilm. PremierLeagueorMusic Festival? Musicfestival,especially classicalandfolk.
TimeMachineorMagic Wand?
Magicwandeverytime!I’ma hugeHarryPotterfanandhave severalinmyoffice!
IndependentSchools
PrepandJunior Schools
EdgbastonHighSchool forGirlsPre-Prep&Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214545831
edgbastonhigh.co.uk
HallfieldSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214541496 hallfieldschool.co.uk
HighclareSchoolPre-Prep &Prep Erdington,Birmingham T:01213737400 highclareschool.co.uk
NorfolkHouseSchool
Birmingham T:01214547021 norfolkhouseschool.co.uk
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103 prioryschool.net
St.George’sSchoolPrep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398 sgse.co.uk
TheBlueCoatSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214106800 thebluecoatschool.com
WestHouseSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404097
westhouseprep.com
OpenMorning:Fri5Jun 09:30–12:00
EversfieldPrepSchool
Solihull T:01217050354 eversfield.co.uk
RuckleighSchool
Solihull T:01217952773 ruckleigh.co.uk
SolihullSchool
Solihull T:01217050958 solsch.org.uk
TheShrubberySchool
SuttonColdfield T:01213511582 shrubberyschool.com
SeniorSchools
EdgbastonHighSchoolfor GirlsSenior
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214545831
edgbastonhigh.co.uk
OpenAfternoon:Thu18Jun 16:30–18:30
HallfieldSchoolSeniors
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214541496 hallfieldschool.co.uk
HighclareSchoolSeniors Erdington,Birmingham T:01213737400 highclareschool.co.uk
OpenDay:Fri15May 13:30–15:00
KingEdward’sSchool
Birmingham T:01214721672 kes.org.uk
OpenEvening:Mon22Jun 17:30–20:00
KingEdwardVIHighSchool forGirls
Birmingham T:01214721834 kehs.org.uk
OpenMorning:Sat20Jun 09:15–12:30
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103 prioryschool.net
St.George’sSchoolSenior Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398 sgse.co.uk
SolihullSchool
Solihull T:01217050958 solsch.org.uk
WHAT’SON
Funforallthefamily AguidetoWhat’sOnintheWestMidlands A
AshEndHouseChildren’sFarm
Tamworth
Hands-onfamily-friendlyfarm.Entry includesanimalfeed,tractor-trailer ride,pony-sit-onandlotsofanimal interaction.Outdoorplayareas available.Greatforchildrenparties! ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
BirminghamWildlife ConservationPark
Edgbaston
OpenMon–Sun(10:00-16:00)
Hometoauniquecollectionofanimals fromacrosstheworld.Therearered pandas,lemurs,reptiles,meerkats, otters,birds,wallabiesandacollection ofmonkeys. birmingham.gov.uk/conservationpark BurntwoodAlpaca&AnimalFarm Burntwood
OpenMon–Sun(10:00-16:00)
Fun-filleddayoutonthefarmforall thefamily!Hands-onanimal experiences,playareaandbouncing pillow,seasonaleventsandchildren’s birthdaypartypackages. burntwoodalpacas.co.uk
CadburyWorld Birmingham Enjoyadaychoc-fulloffunand discoverthestoryofhowCadbury Chocolateismade.Interactivefactory tourwithdemos,excitingrides,meet Cadburycharacters,outdoorplayarea andcafe. cadburyworld.co.uk
CannonHillPark Birmingham There’ssomuchtodoforfamilies here.WithaFunParkpackedwith gamesandridesfortoddlersto10year olds,aLandTrain,MiniGolf,Swan PedalBoats,sportsfacilitiesanda TeaRoom. cannonhillpark.co.uk
DiscoverDudley
Dudley VisittheheartoftheBlackCountry withsomuchtoseeanddointhe boroughfromfamousvisitor attractions,historicbuildings,beautiful naturereservesandparks.There’s somethingforallthefamily! discoverdudley.org.uk
DaysOut
DraytonManor Tamworth
Thrillsandadventureforallthefamily toenjoy.TicketsincludeThomasLand, a15-acrezoo,aVikingsareaand nauticallythemedAdventureCove. draytonmanor.co.uk
DudleyZoo&Castle
Dudley Hometoalargecollectionof endangeredspeciesaswellasbeing thesiteofan11thcenturycastle-an importantgeologicalsite. Summer FamilyFunWeekend 20&21Jun. Dad’sgoFREE! dudleyzoo.org.uk
HattonAdventureWorld NrWarwick
Fantasticdayoutforallthefamily. Comerainorshinethere’splentytodo withindoorandoutdoorattractions andentertainmentforallthefamily. hattonworld.com
LEGOLANDDiscoveryCentre
Birmingham
Getcreativeandhavefunwithyour favouriteLEGOcharactersinMiniland, the4Dcinema,theKingdomQuest Ride,LEGOCitySoftplayandsomuch more.50%offwithcertainlocal postcodes. legolanddiscoverycentre.com
MonkeyForest
Trentham
Seenatureupclosewith140 fascinatingBarbarymacaquesto watchanddiscover.Plusaplayarea forchildrentoexploreandreplicate variousprimatebehaviour.Funand educational. monkey-forest.com
NationalSeaLifeCentre Birmingham VisittheAquariumwiththeUKsonly 360-degreeoceantunnelandover60 displaysoffreshwaterandmarinelife. QuieterSENDsessionsfirstSunof everymonth.50%offwithcertainlocal postcodes. visitsealife.com/birmingham
NationalTrust Birminghamand WestMidlands
EnjoysummeratourlocalNational Trustproperties:BirminghamBackto Backs,Roundhouse,WightwickManor andGardens,ClentHills&Moseley OldHall.Eachpropertyhasitsown uniquefamilyactivitiessowhynotvisit themall.Seeindividualwebsitesfor detailsofholidayactivitiesandprices. nationaltrust.org.uk
SnowDome Tamworth HavefunallyearroundattheIndoor SnowCentre.Withrealsnowfor skiing,snowboardingandsnowfun activitiesliketobogganingandsnow play.Plus,iceskating,swimmingand seasonalevents. snowdome.co.uk
StatfoldCountryPark Tamworth Everythingyouneedforafunfamily dayout!Steamtrain,Toby’sBarnsoft play,world-renownedlocomotive museum,shop,café,vintagecarousel ride,colouringstation,outdoorgames andplaypark. statfold.com
ThinkTank Birmingham Fourfloorsoffuntoexplore,bursting withmorethan200hands-onhightechdisplaysalongsidehistorical collectionsandnaturalscience specimens.Funandeducational! Autismfriendlysessions. birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank WarwickCastle Warwick Explorethecastletowersand ramparts,groundsandgardens.With liveshows,eventsandextraordinary entertainmentforallthefamily.Shortbreakpackagesavailable. warwick-castle.com
WestMidlandsSafariPark Bewdley Four-miledrive-throughsafariwith over100differentspeciesthroughout thepark.Plus,themeparkand dinosaurexhibit.Stayovernightina LuxurySafariLodge.FREEreturnvisit within6months.Don’tMiss Giraffe Jamboree onselecteddatesinMay and JurassicJune,weekends throughoutJune. wmsp.co.uk
TwycrossZoo Atherstone Withover100incredibleanimals, TheGruffaloDiscoveryLand,Wet'n' WildSplashPark,hands-onanimal experiences,naturereservesand indoorsoftplay,there’ssomethingfor allages.Payforadayandvisit FREEfor12months–perfectfor repeatfamilyadventures. twycrosszoo.org
BirminghamHippodrome
Birmingham
WNO–PlayOperaLIVE–Shipwrecked! Sat9May
TheGruffalo Wed20–Sun24May
Agerecommendation:3+ birminghamhippodrome.com
RoyalSuttonColdfield TownHall SuttonColdfield
IceAgeAdventureLIVE Thu28May
BeautyandtheBeast Wed3–Sat7Jun suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com
SymphonyHall
Birmingham
StrictlyComeDancing:The Professionals Fri15–Sat16May
CBSO2025/26–FamilyConcert: DanceAcrossAmerica Sun7Jun
AgeRecommendation:6+
ThePiano:TheFinalConcert Tue9Jun
*Thiseventwillbefilmedfor televisiontransmission
TownHall Birmingham SpaceStationEarth Fri5Jun
FiremanSam Sat20Jun bmusic.co.uk
TheAlexandraTheatre
Birmingham MinistryofScienceLIVE–ScienceSavedtheWorld Mon25May
AgeRecommendation:3+ Annie
Tue2–Sat6Jun
AgeRecommendation:3+ PeppaPig’sBigFamilyShow Tue16–Wed17Jun
ThePrincessProms Sun28Jun
AgeRecommendation:3+ atgtickets.com
TheOldRepTheatre
Birmingham UnicornLive! Wed27May
BeautyandtheBeastJr. Sat6Jun oldrep.co.uk
TheRepTheatre Birmingham
TheBaldPigeon-Boy Tue19–Wed20May
AgeRecommendation:5+ PlanetOmar:AccidentalTrouble Magnet Wed17–Sun21Jun
AgeRecommendation:7+ birmingham-rep.co.uk
TalesofToil
MayHalf-Term
BlackCountryLivingMuseum, Dudley 23–30May
Explorethenewthemedfamily discoverytrail,TalesofToil,tomeet historiccharacters,takepartinfamily funactivitiesandlearnnewstories alongtheway.Half-termactivitiesare partoftheMuseumadmissionoffer–payforonedayandvisitfor12 monthsforFREE! bclm.com
Half-TermFamilyAdventures
SevenValleyRailway 23–31May
Stepbackintimetothegoldenageof travelwithbothsteamanddiesel hauledtrainsthishalf-term.Families receiveacomplimentaryEyeSpy booklettotesttheirpowersof observationduringthejourney. TicketsincludeFREEENTRYtoThe EngineHouseVisitorCentrewhere there’splentytoseeanddo.Trains operatebetweenKidderminsterand Bridgnorthandstopatall intermediatestations. svr.co.uk
DragonKingdom
HattonAdventureWorld,NrWarwick 23–31May
Stepintoaworldofdragons,magic, princessesandknights,where imaginationcomestolife.Thisbrand NEWeventissettotransformthe parkintoamagicalrealmfullof adventureforthewholefamily.Meet enchantingcharacters,discover mysticaldragonsandenteraworldof fairytalefun. hattonworld.com
PlanetIce Solihull
Skateforfun,learntoskate(3dayor 5daycoursesstarting 25May)or bookapartythishalf-term.Ice skatingfunforallthefamily.Exclusive savingswithanIceCard Membership. planet-ice.co.uk
HeroesoftheAir RoyalAirForceMuseum,Cosford 25-29May
Afamily-friendlycelebrationof courage,adventureandthe remarkablestoriesofthosewhotook totheskies.FollowtheexcitingHero Trailwithaninteractiveactivity booklet(£3)andwatchthepowerful BBCdocumentaryseriesWWII:IWas ThereintheBomberCommand Exhibition(FREE). rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands
MayHalf-TermActivities NationalMemorialArboretum, Staffordshire 25-29May
Gatherthefamilyandexplore summerattheArboretumwithArbie theOwl.Fromartsandcrafts, outdoortrailsandstorytellingthere’s somethingforall.Someactivitiesare FREEanddrop-in,othersbookable andsomehaveasmallcharge. Plus,exploretheFREEStickMan OutdoorTrail. thenma.org.uk
Fragments–StitchYourStory
SellyManorMuseum,Birmingham 26May(10:30)&27May(12:00)
LearnhowtostitchBargelloand createasmallcoastertotakehome atthese90-minutefamilystitch workshops.Guidedworkshopwith Tapestryartist,TinaFrancis.Yarn provided.Onceyourfirstrowis stitchedtherestfollowlikemagic! Suitableforbeginners.Age recommendation7–16. sellymanormuseum.org.uk
MayHalf-TermGardenTrail
MiddletonHall&Gardens,Tamworth 27–31May(11:00-16:00)
ExplorethegardensthisMayhalfterm.TakepartinFREEcraft workshops12:00-14:00andplay themedlawngames!Aimedat childrenupto12,allwelcome. middleton-hall.co.uk
BluePeterGreenBadge KingsburyWaterpark, SuttonColdfield 28May(10:30&13:00)
EarnyourveryownBluePeterGreen Badge!JoinRangerLiannforfun activitiesincludingfoldingnewspaper plantpotsandplantingseeds, makingaseedbombtohelpstarta wildflowermeadoworcreatinga butterflygardentoattractbeautiful butterflies.Onceyou'vetakenpart, takesomephotos,tellBluePeter whatyou’vedoneandsendoffyour application.Forchildrenaged5–15. TicketsonEventbrite. countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk /activities
MidlandsAirFestival RagleyHall,Alcester 29–31May
Getreadyforaweekendoffamilyfun andexperiencetheverybestin aviationentertainment.Seethe famousNightfireshow,breathtaking airdisplaysincludingtheRAFRed Arrowsandstunninghotairballoon launches.Plus,avarietyoftrade stands,children’sridesand entertainment. midlandsairfestival.com
OutdoorFun
BirminghamBotanicalGardens
Edgbaston
TheGardenshavesomethingforall agestoenjoy,including7,000plants, 4VictorianGlasshouses,many differentchildren’strailsforjust£1.50 eachandaplayground. birminghambotanical gardens.org.uk
MartineauGardens
Birmingham 2.5acresoforganicallymanaged landscapetoexploreincludinga naturetrail,formalgardenand children’s‘shipwreck’playarea.Don’t missthe SpringCelebration2026, 16May(11:00–15:00). Music,food andfamilyfun.FREEentry. martineau-gardens.org.uk
SuttonParkNatureReserve
SuttonColdfield
Visitoneofthelargesturbanparksin Europe.Withplaygrounds, restaurants,sailing,bikeridingand kiteflying,there’ssomethingforthe wholefamily! birmingham.gov.uk/suttonpark
familiesonline.co.uk
Museums&History
BirminghamMuseum&ArtGallery Birmingham VisittheiconicRoundRoom, IndustrialGallery,BridgeGallery, Tearoomandmuseumshop,plusa newfamilygallery,WildCityand PixelStudio.OpenWed-Sun termtime (10:00–17:00) and7daysa weekinschoolholidays.FREEentry. birminghammuseums.org.uk/birmi ngham-museum-and-art-gallery
BlackCountryLivingMuseum
Dudley Gobackintimeandexplore26acres ofcarefullyreconstructedshops, housesandindustrialareasthat representtheBlackCountry’s fascinatingstory. bclm.com
BritishMotorMuseum
Gaydon MiniMotoristPlayandStay sessions 18May&15Jun MellowMondaysRelaxedHours 1May&1Jun(15:00–17:00) Exploreover400Britishclassiccars, takepartinthemedtrails,experience touchscreenexhibitsand understandhowacarworks.Funfor allthefamily! britishmotormuseum.co.uk
CoventryTransportMuseum Coventry Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnabouthowCoventry changedtheworldthrough transport. FamilyPlayZone (self-led crafts) Opendaily10:00–16:30. transport-museum.com
DudleyMuseumattheArchives
MidlandAirMuseum
Baginton,NrCoventry
Experiencetheworldofaviationwith over45aircraftondisplay,Vulcan guidedtourandsit-inMeteor cockpit.TeaRoomandFREE parking. 2026IPMSSummerModel Show 28Jun(10:00-16:00) midlandairmuseum.co.uk
RoyalAirForceMuseum Cosford Fullfamilydayout,whateverthe weather!Exploretheskiesand uncovertheimmensehistoryofthe RAF.SitinaSpitfire,interactiveVR experiences,simulatorsand4D Theatre,plusaviation-themed playground.FREEentry. rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands
SandwellMuseums
Sandwell,variouslocations
Explorearangeofdifferentmuseums includingHadenHillHouseMuseum andHadenOldHall,Wednesbury MuseumandArtGallery,OakHouse Museum–WestBromwich, BromwichHallMuseum,Galton ValleyPumpingStationandBishop AsburyCottage.MostlyFREEtovisit. Seasonalactivities. sandwell.gov.uk/museums
SellyManorMuseum
Birmingham
Stepbackintimetodiscoverhow theTudorscooked,dressedand lived.Exploretheparlour,dininghall, kitchenandbedchamber.Dressup inreplicacostumesandsuitof armour.FREEchildren’strail. sellymanormuseum.org.uk
WarwickshireCountyCricketClub MuseumEdgbaston,Birmingham Matchdays(10:00–17:00)
WalsallArboretum
TownCentre,Walsall
Accessiblewalkways,boatinglake andlakesidecafé,tenniscourtsand acresofopenplayingfieldsto explore.Plus,achildren’splayarea withskateparkandFREESplashpad (ExpectedtoopenlateMay). go.wasall.gov.uk
WinterbourneHouseandGarden Birmingham Edwardianhistorichouseand botanicalgardenwithplentyof activitiesavailableallyearroundfor children.Children’sgarden,family trail,TeaRoom,giftshopand second-handbookshop. winterbourne.org.uk
Dudley Filledwithfantasticfossilsand guaranteedfun,enjoyawholehost ofdisplaysincludinggeology, dinosaurs,historicfindsfromDudley Castle,localheroes,glassand artwork.OpeneveryThu,FriandSat. FREEentry. dudley.gov.uk
LapworthMuseumofGeology UniversityofBirmingham Goandseethefinestandmost extensivecollectionsoffossils, mineralsandrocksintheMidlands. Excitingfamilyactivities,educational talks,toursandarts&crafts activities. birmingham.ac.uk/culturalattractions/lapworth-museum-of-geology LuntRomanFort NrCoventry ExploretheuniqueRomanFortress, takinginthesitesoftheramparts, thegranarybuildingandtheworld’s onlyknowngyrus!Openselected SchoolHolidays. luntromanfort.org
Themuseumchroniclesthehistory oftheclubanditsplayersandis FREEtovisit.Nomatchticket required. edgbaston.com
WestMidlandsPoliceMuseum
Birmingham Wed–Sat(10:00–16:00)
Learnabouttwocenturiesofpolicing history.Experienceanauthentic Victorianlock-up,hearabout pioneeringindividuals,interactive displays,dressupinpoliceuniforms andtakeyourownmugshot! museum.west-midlands.police.uk
WHAT’SON
GetActive Events
GladiatorsExperience NEC,Birmingham 2May–31Aug
StepintotheArena!Forthefirsttime EVER,GladiatorsfansacrosstheUK willbeabletoputtheirspeed, strengthandskillstotheultimatetest, andtakeontheiconiceventsseenon thetelevisionshow.Awayfromthe Arenathere’sevenmorefunand family-friendlyattractions.Thisisan unmissableopportunitytoliveout yourGladiatordreams! thenec.co.uk/events/gladiatorsexperience/
CircusFantasia
WolverhamptonRacecourse 6–10May
JessonPlayingFields/OakwoodPark, WestBromwich 6–10May
Rollup,rollup!Preparetobethrilled withasensationalmixofcomedy, juggling,aerialdisplays,balancing acts,livemusicandgravitydefying acrobatics. circusfantasia.co.uk
BlossomPicnics–anEnglishHanami CastleBromwichHistoricGardens 10May(12:00–15:00)
ChefYumiOkamurawillbecooking updeliciousauthenticJapanesefood forvisitorsintheappleorchards.Plus locallybasedJapaneseartistswillbe sellingtheirworkandrunningdrop-in origamiandcalligraphysessions. Bookingfoodadvisablefortakeaway ortoeatonsite.Picnicswelcome. castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk
WakeuptheZoo DudleyZoo&Castle,Dudley 10May(08:45) Everwonderedwhatit’sliketowake upsomeoftherarestanimalsinthe world?Bookthisearlymorning guidedtourexperienceandfollowthe keepersastheygoabouttheirduties andlearnallaboutvitalconservation work.Age8+. dudleyzoo.org.uk
OutdoorCinema StatfoldCountryPark,Birmingham 16May
Beauty&TheBeast(PG) 12:30
Tangled(PG) 16:00 Grabyourticketstotheultimate outdoorcinemaexperiencethis summer.Bringyourownchairs, picnics,popcornandenjoythefilm! cinemaoutdoor.co.uk
TheGreatBritishFarmFest
NAECStoneleigh 22-24May
TheUK’sbiggestCountryFairand MusicFestival!Enjoytheverybestof British–Fieldtofork,goatstofarming greats,tractorstoabsolutetunes! Familyfriendly,campingandday ticketsavailable.HostedbyJeremy Clarkson,LisaHogan,KalebCooper &CharlieIrelandwithanall-starlineupofmusicaltalent. farm-fest.org
SuttonColdfieldFamilyMusicFestival
SuttonColdfieldRugbyClub 23May(11:00–22:00)
Agreatfamilydayoutwithsomeof theUK’sleadingtributeacts.FREE children’sentertainment,streetfood, licencedbar,funfairrides,seating areasandmuchmore. skiddle.com
CinemaUndertheStars
Thinktank,Birmingham
StepintotheThinktankPlanetarium foracinema-stylescreening.Unwind andenjoyaspeciallyselectedthemed filminasettingdesignedtoinspire curiosityandwonder.
TheFlintstones(U) 23May
IceAge(U) 30May
JurassicPark(PG) 30May
TheLEGOMovie(U) 20Jun
WalkingwithDinosaurs(U) 27Jun
JurassicPark:TheLostWorld(PG) 27Jun birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank
HeavyMetalBadger:BookSigning BirminghamMuseumandArtGallery 25May(10:30,13:00&14:30)
JoinDuncanBeedie,theauthorand illustratorofHeavyMetalBadgerfora booksigningfeaturingalivereading andachancetocreateyourown heavy-metalbandname!Each sessionlasts60minutes.Eachticket coversonechildandoneadult.Book notincludedinticketprice. birminghammuseums.org.uk
TheTigerwhocametoTea
LichfieldGarrickTheatre&Studio 28&29May
Jointhetea-guzzlingtigerinthis delightfulfamilyshow;packedwith oodlesofmagic,sing-a-longsongs andclumsychaos.Don’tmissthis stunningstageadaptationofthe classictaleofteatimemayhem... expecttobesurprised!Age recommendation3+. lichfieldgarrick.com
TheCatintheHat MidlandsArtsCentre 31May(14:00&16:00)
Experiencethemischiefwiththe acclaimedstageadaptationofDr Seuss’TheCatInTheHat.Alively andengagingfirsttheatreexperience forchildrenaged3+,basedonthe best-sellingbook. macbirmingham.co.uk
FamilyFunDay&DogShow ThornboroughFarm 6Jun(12:00–18:00)
Ultimatefamilyfundayextravaganza! Withadogshow,animalinteractions, kidsridesandattractions,livemusic, stallsandfestivalfoodanddrink.Well behaveddogswelcome.Tickets online.
thornboroughevents.com
SolihullMusicFestival&Market SolihullTownCentre 18–21Jun(10:00–18:00)
Theannualmusicfestivalisreturning toMellSquare,MillLaneandthe HighStreet.Withvibrantinternational stalls,twolivemusicstagesand engagingchildren’sworkshops. rrevents.co.uk
Under5’sFamilyFunDay DudleyZoo 24–25Jun
CallingallPiratesandPrincesses! Grabapicnicandablanketandenjoy somefunwithyourpre-schoolerthis summer.Flip&Dippy’sMagic AdventureShow,meetJambithe Tiger&MontytheMonkeyMascots, FacePainting(3+),Colouring Activities,Castle-themedPlayArea, OwBinYaSandsBeachandZoo admissiontoo.FancyDresswelcome! dudleyzoo.org.uk
KnowlePartyinthePark KnowlePark,Solihull 27Jun
Getreadyforanepicdayoflivemusic withTheWanted2.0,MartinKemp, RickParfittJnr,ArtfulDodger,Detroit SoulCollective,TheSubterraneans andTheVoiceofBeckyHill.Tickets sellingfast!Under5sFREE. knowlepartyinthepark.co.uk
NatureTots MonkeyForest,Trentham Until21Oct(Wednesdays) NatureTotsisanindoorandoutdoor adultandtoddlergrouprunby StaffordshireWildlifeTrust.Each weekhasadifferentthemewith crafts,trailsandgamesalldesigned toencourageyourtoddler’s engagementwithnature.Suitablefor 18months–5yearsold. monkey-forest.com
OpenFarmSunday
Variouslocationsnationwide 7Jun
AckersAdventure
Birmingham
Whatwillyournextfamilyadventure be?ChoosefromSnowsports(Ski, Tube,SnowboardorToboggan)or Adventurousactivities(Archery,Axe throwing,Climb,Zipwire,Fan descender,Canoe,Kayak,Bellboat, BushcraftorDiskgolf).Birthday Parties,HolidaySchemesand NEWKid’sActivityWeekavailable. ackers-adventure.co.uk
AdventureGolf
FourAshesGolfCentre
Solihull
18holesoffunpackedadventuregolf withcascadingwaterfalls,rocky routesandapossibleholeinone-it’s funforallthefamily!Bookonlineor turnupandplay. fourashesgolfcentre.co.uk /adventure-golf-course-midlands AirHopAdventure&Trampoline Park
Birmingham
Theultimateplayexperienceforall ages!OpenJump,AfterSchoolAntics andUnlimitedJumps,Toddler& FamilyTakeover,SEN&Weekend SunsetSessions.Plusthebounciest partiesintown! airhop.co.uk
CliffLakes
Tamworth
TheUltimatewatersportsdestination! HometotheUK’sbiggestAquaPark. Withanextensiverangeofinflatable slides,climbingwallsandtrampolines over5parks.PlusSUPandcold waterswimming. clifflakes.co.uk
GoApe
CannockChase(Staffordshire),Wyre Forest(Kidderminster),Coombe Abbey(Coventry)
Forthrill-seekingadultsandfunseekingchildrenexperiencethebest ofhighropeantics,forestsegways, netadventures,ziptrekadventure, axethrowingandmini-LandRovers. Activitiesvarybylocation. goape.co.uk
JuniorParkrun
Variouslocations
AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly2K eventforjuniors(4-14yearsold) EverySundayat9:00.Childrenmust beabletocompletethecourse withoutanadult. parkrun.com
Farming’sannualopenday!Picka farmthat’sopeningtheirgatesand takethefamilytolearnaboutthe amazingworkfarmersdotoproduce foodsustainably,nurturenatureand protecttheenvironmentforfuture generations. farmsunday.org
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NPFBassetsPoleAdventurePark
SuttonColdfield
NP Su Pe an Ar Ju mo
Perfectforactive,adventurouskids andfamilies.Paintball,LaserTag, Archery,Bushcraft,QuadTrekking, JungleEscape,Gelballandmuch more.Alldesignedforchildren,age restrictionsapply.Birthdayparty packagesforchildrenaged5and over. npfbassettspole.com
RockUp
Birmingham
Enjoysomehealthy,action-packed funinasafeenvironment.Climbing walls(age4+),toddlerclimbandplay (upto5’s),verticalchallenges,high ropes(minheightrequirements)plus softplayfor0-5’s.Alsoavailablefor groupbookings,schoolsandparties. www.rock-up.co.uk
TheWave Coventry
Grabyourgogglesandenjoyafamily dayoutatoneoftheUK’sawardwinningindoorwaterparksinthe heartofCoventryCityCentre! thewavecoventry.com
Supportingdigital literacyathome
ByErinMiller
Inanerawherebanningchildrenfromsmartphonesis becomingincreasinglynormalised,theideaofactively promotingdigitalliteracyathomecanseemcounterintuitive. However,digitalliteracyisaboutfarmorethansimply knowinghowtooperateadevice.Itgoesbeyondtechnical skillstoencompasstheabilitytoengagewithdigital technologiessafely,criticallyandthoughtfully.Thisincludes knowinghowtofindandevaluateinformationonline, communicateeffectivelyindigitalspaces,protectpersonal dataandprivacyandrecogniseriskssuchasmisinformation, manipulationandharmfulcontent.
Justasparentsandschoolsteachchildrenhowtostaysafe inthephysicalworld,theymustalsoteachthemhowtothink criticallyaboutwhattheyseeinordertostaysafeinthedigital world.
Gettingyourchildtothinkcritically. Tohelpchildrenbegin evaluatingonlineinformationcritically,teachthemhowto:
Checkthesource. Showyourchildhowtofindwhocreated thecontentandwhetheritcomesfromatrustedorganisation,a qualifiedexpertoranunknownaccount.Teachthemtolookfor anAboutpageandtobewaryofanonymousprofiles.
Tellfactfromopinion. Helpthemlookforevidencesuchas facts,dataorreliablelinks.Explainthedifferencebetween evidenceandpersonalbelief.
Recogniseemotionalmanipulation. Teachthemtonoticewhen contenttriggersstrongemotionslikefear,angerorexcitement andencouragethemtopausebeforereactingorsharing.
Teachingchildrento protecttheirprivacy
Herearesomepracticaltips. Names. Showyourchildhowtochooseusernamesthatdo notincludetheirrealname,birthday,schoolorlocation. Personaldetailsinphotos. Teachthemtocheckimages forclueslikeschoollogos,streetsigns,housenumbers,car numberplatesorlandmarksbeforepostingphotos. Turnofflocationsharing. Showthemwherelocationsettings areontheirdeviceandinappsandteachthemtokeep locationservicesoffunlessthereisareasontousethem. Limitwhocancontactthem. Teachthemhowtosetaccounts toprivate,restrictmessagingtofriendsonlyandavoid acceptingrequestsormessagesfrompeopletheydon’tknow. Usepasswordsproperly. Teachthemhowtocreatestrong passwords,avoidreusingthesamepasswordacrossappsand understandwhypasswordsshouldneverbeshared. Checkapppermissions. Teachthemtoreviewwhatanapp needstowork,egcamera,microphone,contacts,photos–andtellthemtoturnoffanythingtheappdoesn’trequire.
Questionheadlines. Showthemthatheadlinesareoften exaggeratedandthattheyshouldreadbeyondthetitle.
Checkthedate. Teachthemhowtospotoutdatedcontentthat isresharedasifitwerenew.
Cross-checkinformation. Encouragethemtolookforthesame storyonotherreputablesitesandtobecautiousifonlyone unfamiliarsourceisreportingit.
Haveopenconversationsathome
Itisunrealistictopretendtechnologywillnotplayamajorrole inyourchild’sworld.Talkaboutit:askyourchildrenwhatthey enjoyonlineandwhattheyfindchallenging.Bybuildingtrustit’s morelikelytheywillseeksupportifsomethinggoeswrong.
Itisalsoimportanttodiscusshowalgorithmswork.Help childrenunderstandthattheirdevicesaretrackingtheir behaviourandusingthatinformationtoshapewhattheysee.
ErinMillerisateacherwithakeeninterestinhowresearchcan beusedintheclassroomtoimprovelearning.
Setclearboundariesand modelhealthyhabits
Clearboundarieshelpchildrenfeelsecureanddevelop self-control.Agreeonrulesaroundscreentime,appropriate apps,onlinebehaviourandwheredevicescanbeusedin thehome.Involvingchildreninthesediscussionsmakes expectationsmorelikelytoberespected.Boundariesshould beconsistent,age-appropriateandreviewedregularly. Smartphonesaredesignedtobeaddictive,sochildrenbenefit fromseeinghealthybehaviourinaction.Useapptimelimits andscreen-freetimes,particularlyduringmealsorbeforebed, explainingwhytheseboundariesmatter.Showyourchildthat youtakeregularbreaksfromyourownphone.Childrenare farmorelikelytoadoptbalancedhabitswhentheyseethem modelledconsistently.
Trytomodelpurposefulandcreativeusesoftechnology,not justpassivescrolling.Letyourchildseeyouusingdevices forlearning,problem-solving,communicationorcreativity, suchasresearchingtopicsorplanningprojects.Thishelps themunderstandthattechnologyisnotjustasourceof entertainment.
Screen-free sleepoversand playdates
ByDaisyGreenwell
Sleepoversandplaydatesshouldbeaboutreal-world connection,laughterandfun-notworryingaboutwhatyour childmightseeonsomeoneelse’ssmartphone.Thisisareal concernformanyparentsanditcanfeelawkwardbringingit upwithothers.Here’showtosetsomeboundarieswithout thewholediscussionfeelingawkward.
Startwithcuriosity,notjudgement
Beforeasleepoverorplaydate,haveachatwiththehostfamily. Somethinglike:‘We’vebeenthinkingalotaboutkidsand smartphones.It’ssotricky,isn’tit-what’syourapproach?’This opensupaconversationratherthanalecture.Youmightbe surprised;manyfamiliesshareyourconcernsbuthaven’tfigured outhowtotalkaboutthemyet.
Ifyou’rehosting,setexpectations
Whenhosting,seta‘phone-freeplaydate’expectationforall kids,notjustyourown.Letotherparentsknowbeforehandwith asimple:‘Ihopeit’sokayforyoubutweprefertodophonefreeplaydates:nosmartphonesortablets.’Saying:‘Yes,I’mthat technophobeparent!’keepsitlight-hearted.Alternatively,ask thekidsyou’rehostingtoputtheirdevicesintoyourfamilytech drawer/boxonarrival.Tellthemyouwantthemtogetupto somefun,notjuststareatscreens.Theycanletyouknowifthey needtomakeaphonecall.
Ifsomeoneelseishosting,setaboundary Ifyourchildisgoingtosomeoneelse’shouse,don’tbeafraidto lettheotherparentsknowyourapproachbeforeyouarrive.It helpstohaveasimple,non-preachywaytoexplain.Forexample: ‘We’rekeepinghersmartphone-freefornow,soI’dpreferifshe
Walk…duringWalkto SchoolWeek
Agenerationago,seventypercentofuswalkedtoschool–nowit’slessthanhalf.SoWalktoSchoolWeekwasstarted toencouragemorekidstogetoutofthecarandwalkto school.
WalktoSchoolWeekisheldfrom18to22Mayandis organisedbytheUKcharityLivingStreetstocelebratethe healthandwellbeingbenefitsofwalking.
Familieswillbeencouragedtowalk,cycle,scootorPark andStridetoseethebigdifferencesthatcancomefrom smallsteps;fromhealthierandhappierchildrenwhoarrive refreshed,fitandreadytolearntolesscongestionandfewer carsoutsidetheschoolgates.
DownloadtheFamilyWalktoSchoolKit,designedtohelp parents,carersandchildrenmakethewalktoschoolworkfor them.
Visitwww.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-to-school
doesn’tgoonanydeviceswhileshe’swithyou–Ihopethat’s okay.’
Shareananecdotethatillustratesyourconcern
Sometimesreal-lifeparentingstoriessayeverythingthatneeds tobesaidandhelptoavoidalengthyexplanationofyourviews onsmartphones.Mentionaccountsofchildrenbeinggenuinely traumatisedbyseeingviolenceorpornonline-noparentwants thistohappentotheirchild.Expressyourfearsaroundhoweasy itistostumbleacrossunregulatedonlinecontent,alongwith widespreadwarningsfromexperts.Thisshouldbeenoughto helpyouagreeonprotectivemeasures.
Talktoyourchildaheadoftime
Nomatterwhat,kidswillencountersmartphonesatsomepoint. Haveongoingconversationsaboutwhattheymightseeandhow tohandleit.Teachthemphraseslike:‘Idon’twanttowatchthat’ or‘Canwedosomethingelse?’sotheyfeelequippedtowalk awayfromanythingthatdoesn’tsitrightwiththem.
Giveyourchildanexitstrategy
Iftheyendupuncomfortableatafriend’shouse,makesurethey knowtheycanalwayscallortextyou(onasimplephoneor someoneelse’sphone)forapick-up-noquestionsasked.Agree onasimplecodephrase.Somethinglike:‘Hey,didyoufindthe missingshoe?’whichcanbeadiscreetwayforthemtoescape anuncomfortablesituation.
Findyourallies
Themorefamilieswhosettheseboundaries,theeasieritgets.If youknowotherfamilieswithsimilarviews,chatwiththem.You mightevensuggesta‘phone-freeplaydate’rotationsokidscan hangoutwithoutscreensbeinganissue.
DaisyGreenwellisCo-FounderandDirectorofSmartphone FreeChildhood(www.smartphonefreechildhood.org),a movementoffamiliesstandingtogethertodelayaccess smartphonesandsocialmediaforchildren.
Focusonthepositives
Smartphone-freeplaygiveskidsspacetojustbekids. Awayfromthealgorithms,theygettofullyengagewith eachother,becreativeandmakereal-lifememories.That’s agoalthatmostparents(andkids)cangetbehind. Rememberyou’renotaloneinthis.Childhoodischanging fastandwe’reallfiguringitouttogether.Byapproaching conversationsabouttheseissueswithwarmth,understanding andalittlehumour,wecancreatespaceswherekidscan thrive.Andthat’ssomethingworthstandingupfor.
Evidence-based resourcesforraising confidentkids
ByAnnMagalhaes
Thereissomuchinformationaboutparentingtoday-books, socialmedia,podcasts,websites-muchofwhichisexcellent. Buthowdoyouchoosepractical,trustworthyguidancethat trulysupportsyouateverystageofparenting?
Overtheyears,mycolleaguesandIhaveencounteredand valuedmanyresources,includingnewertoolswebelieveare especiallyhelpful.Thefollowingresourcesareresearch-based, practicalandeasyforparentstoapplyineverydaylife.
Books
HowtoTalkSoKidsWillListenandListenSoKidsWillTalk byAdeleFaberandElaineMazlishhasbecomeaclassic-and forgoodreason.Inanaccessible,practicalway,theauthors presentathirdpath:notshouting,notgivinginbutlistening withempathy,validatingfeelings,speakingrespectfully,setting clearboundariesandencouragingco-operation.Thisapproach reflectsauthoritativeparenting,balancingwarmth,connection andclearexpectations.
Mindset:TheNewPsychologyofSuccess byCarolDweck introducesthepowerfulconceptofthegrowthmindset.Her researchshowsthatpeoplewhobelievetheirabilitiescangrow througheffort,learningandpersistencearemoreresilient, motivatedandsuccessfulthanthosewhobelievetalentisfixed. Forparents,thismeanspraisingeffortandimprovementrather thanoutcomes;fosteringperseverance,confidenceandlongtermsuccess.Youcanfindaconciseandhelpfulsummaryof Dweck’sworkbyneuroscientistAndrewHubermanonYouTube.
TheWhole-BrainChildandThePowerofShowingUp by DanielSiegelandTinaPayneBrysontranslatesneuroscience intoeverydayparentingstrategies.Thesebookshelpparents understandhowchildren’sbrainsdevelopandhowresponsive caregivingsupportsemotionalregulation,resilienceand secureattachment.Practicaltoolsuggestionshelpmanagebig emotions,strengthenconnection,improvecommunicationand supporthealthybraindevelopment-forkidsandparents. Parentsoftenseekguidancespecifictoraisingboysandgirls. DecodingBoys byCaraNattersonoffersvaluableinsightsinto boys’physical,emotionalandsocialdevelopment,helping parentsnurturehealthygrowth,confidence,resilienceand communication.Forgirls,weloveanythingbyLisaDamour.Her book Untangled beautifullyexplainstypicalgirls’development, especiallyduringadolescence.Shehasagiftforclear, memorablelanguagethathelpsparentsunderstandemotional shiftsandchallenges.Forparentsoftweensandteens,she offerspracticalinsightsandtipsonInstagram@Lisa.Damour.
WealwaysrecommendTanithCarey’s What’sMy…Thinking? seriestoparents.Withtitlescoveringbabyhoodthroughto teenageyears,thesebooksexplaincommonbehaviours, emotionsanddevelopmentalchallenges.Careyexploreswhy behaviourshappenandprovidesresearch-basedstrategiesto respondeffectively.Thesepracticaltoolsempowerparentsto supportemotionaldevelopment,encourageadaptivebehaviour andstrengthenfamilyrelationships.
Apps
VroomParenting isa appwerecommendtoallnew parents.Enteryourchild’sbirthdatetoreceivedaily,sciencebasedtipsandsimpleactivitiesthattransformeveryday momentsintolearningopportunities.Vroomsupportschildren’s language,social,emotionalandcognitivedevelopmentfrom birthtoage5,makingearlybrain-buildingeasyandfun.
TheMoodMeter supportsemotionalawarenessandselfregulation;essentialbothforparentsandchildren.Bytracking emotions,identifyingpatternsandofferingmanagementtools, theapphelpsparentsbuildemotionalintelligenceandwellbeing.Asparentsbecomemoreawareoftheirownemotions, theymodelhealthyemotionalregulationandteachtheirchildren lifelongskills.
Socialmedia
Wealsofollowandrecommendthesethoughtful,evidencebasedaccounts: @6secondseq,@readysetparent, @parentfocus,@jasonschnitzercoaching (especiallyhelpfulfor dads), @dramen,@earlychildhood and @drcamcaswell. Podcasts
Podcastsareaneasywaytoaccessexpertadviceonthego.We especiallyrecommend Unruffled byJanetLansbury,whichoffers calm,practicalguidanceforcommonparentingchallenges. Alongsidesolutions,itreassuresparentsthattheyarenotalonewhichmakesaworldofdifference.
Wealsolovethe MindfulMotherhoodPodcast forparentalwellbeingandemotionalawareness.Sinceparentalstressdeeply impactsfamilydynamics,thispodcastprovidesvaluabletools formanagingemotionswhilelearninghowtosupportchildren’s emotionallives.
AnnMagalhaesisco-founderofTheParentTeam (www.theparent.team),parentingeducatorsofferingclasses, workshopsandprivatesessions,teachingevidence-based parentingskillsandofferingparentspractical,effectivesupport.
GIVEAWAY
Peppa’sLaugh& LearnLaptop Peppa’s Laugh&Learn Alphaphonics CountWithPeppa
Peppa’sPhonic Alphabet AnswerPeppa’squestionsaboutletters, numbers,shapes,musicalinstruments, coloursandherfamilyandfriends Includesmusicandsongsfromtheshows andawidevarietyoffunactivities
UseQRcodeorapplyat www.familiesmag.co.uk/go
Whywordsmatter whenwetalkto childrenaboutfood
ByAliciaEaton
Mostparentsspendalotoftimethinkingaboutwhattheir childreneatandfarlesstimethinkingabouthowtheytalk aboutit.Yetthewordsweusearoundfoodoftenshapea child’srelationshipwitheatingfarmorepowerfullythanthe fooditself.
Childrendon’tjustlearnaboutfoodfromwhat’sontheirplate. Theyabsorbthesurroundingemotionaltone,meaningand messageslongbeforetheyunderstandnutrition.Overtime, thosemessagesquietlyinfluencehowtheyfeelaboutfoodand howtheylistentotheirownbodies.
Muchofthelanguageweusearoundfoodisinherited. Phrasessuchas‘finisheverythingonyourplate,’‘that’satreat’ or‘youcanhavepuddingifyoueatyourdinner.’They’reoften saidautomatically,inbusyfamilymoments,withgoodintentions.
Butlanguagehasanimpact.Children’sdevelopingminds aredesignedtoabsorbeverythingintheirenvironment-not justlanguageandmannersbutbeliefs,fears,behavioursand emotionalresponses.Sotheydon’tjusthearourwords, they internaliseourattitudesasblueprintsforlife. Manyadultswho strugglewithweightandrelationshipswithfoodcanpinpoint episodesintheirchildhoodthatleftamarkandpersistently contributetotheproblem.
Whichmeansthatifwejokeaboutourweight,skipmeals, obsessovercaloriesorequatefoodwithguiltorcontrol,we’re teachingthosesamescriptstoourchildren,evenifweneversay themoutloud.
Growingupinanenvironmentwherefoodisrepeatedlylinked tobehaviour,reward,comfortorcontrol, childrencanstartto losetouchwiththeirowninternalsignals. Hungerbecomes somethingtooverride,negotiateorignore.Fullnessbecomes somethingtopushpastandeatingbecomesdrivenbyhabit, emotionorexpectation.
Labelsmattertoo.Callingachild‘fussy,’‘greedy’or‘difficultat mealtimes’canquicklybecomepartofhowtheyseethemselves. Childrenareremarkablyquicktoliveuptolabels,evenwhen theydon’ttrulyfit.
Wordsandphrasesto avoidaroundfood
There’sagoodboyorgirl
Finisheverythingonyourplate
Justtry… Onemorebite
Openyourmouth:herecomestheaeroplane/steamtrain
Eatitforme
Youlikedityesterday
Younevereatyourvegetables
Nodessertuntilyou’veeatenyourdinner Youcanhavepuddingif… Nosnacksuntilyoubehave
Stopaskingforsnacks–you’realwayshungry.
Anothercommonissueispressure.Evengentlepressure:‘just onemorebite,’‘eatitformummy,’‘youlikedityesterday’can interferewithappetiteawareness.Childrenbecomelessableto tuneintowhattheirbodyistellingthem.Thiscanleadtopower strugglesatthetable,anxietyaroundfoodoreatingthatfeels disconnectedfromgenuinehunger.
Whathelpsinsteadisneutrality.Neutrallanguagekeepsfood emotionallycalm.Itseparateseatingfrombehaviourand removesmoraljudgementfrommeals.Thisdoesn’tmeanbeing permissiveorgivingupstructure-quitetheopposite.Children thriveonpredictability.Knowingwhenmealsandsnackswill happenhelpsthemrelaxandtrustthatfoodisreliablyavailable, withoutneedingtonegotiateorgrazeconstantly.
Neutrallanguagealsosupportscuriosity. Insteadofpersuading orlabelling,parentscandescribe,observeandinvitereflection: ‘howdoesyourtummyfeel?’or‘doesthattastehowyou expected?’
Ahealthyrelationshipwithfoodisn’tcreatedthroughrulesor restrictionbutthroughtheunconsciousmessageswepasson whenweshop,cook,sitandeatroundthefamilydinnertable.
Today’sfamiliesfacechallengesthatpreviousgenerationsnever hadtonavigate.Withultra-processedfoodsdominatingthe supermarketshelvesanddiettalkreachingourchildrenatever youngerages,it’sgoingtobeevenmoreimportantthatthe conversationswehaveathomefosterhealthyeatinghabitsfor life.
AliciaEaton(www.aliciaeaton.co.uk)isaHarleyStreet-based behaviourchangepsychotherapistandtheauthorofMindHow YourKidsEat,whichexploreshoweverydayhabitsandlanguage shapechildren’slong-termrelationshipwithfood.
Beneficialwordsand phrases
Thisiswhatwe’rehavingtoday–tomorrowwillbedifferent Let’sseehowthattastes
Icanseeyou’restartingtoenjoytastingnewfoodsnow Let’slistentoourtummiesandstopwhenwe’refull Youcaneatwhatyourbodyneedsfornow Somefoodsare‘everyday’foods Sweet,sugaryfoodsarewhatweeat‘sometimes’ Differentfoodsdodifferentjobs.
Toptipsforlearningtimestables–andwhy it’sstillimportant
ByZuzuJordan
InanageofAI,calculatorsandvoiceassistants,itiseasyto questionwhetherchildrenstillneedtomemorisetimestables. Afterall,technologycanprovideaninstantanswer.However, fluencyinmultiplicationremainsoneofthemostimportant foundationsinmathematics.Whenchildrenknowtheirtimes tablesautomatically,theyfreeupbrainpowerforreasoning, problem-solvingandtacklingmorecomplexconceptssuchas fractions,divisionandalgebra.
InEngland,childrenbeginexploringmultiplicationinKeyStage 1throughgrouping,sharingandrepeatedaddition.ByYear2, theylearnthetwo,fiveandtentimestables.InYear3andYear 4,theyextendthisknowledgetoalltablesuptotwelvextwelve, withthenational MultiplicationTablesCheck takenattheend ofYear4.Schoolsnowcombineconceptualunderstanding withrecallpractice,usingarrays(visualmodelsorganising objectsintoequalrowsandcolumnstorepresentmultiplication equations),practicalresourcesandpatternspotting,alongside short,regularretrievalexercises.
EvenwithAI,instantrecallmatters. Achildwhoquicklyknows that6×8=48canfocusonsolvingamulti-stepproblem insteadofgettingstuckatthefirstcalculation.Technology shouldenhancelearning,notreplacecoreknowledge.
Oneofthemosteffectivewaystosupportlearningistomatch practicetoyourchild’spreferredwayoflearning.
Forthosewhoprefertolistenandlearn, rhythmandrepetition arepowerful.Multiplicationsongs,chantsandshortrhymes canmakefactsstick.Creatingasimplepoemfortrickytables orsettingfactstoafamiliartunecantransformlearninginto somethingmemorable.VoiceassistantssuchasAlexaorsimilar devicescanalsobeusedtofirequickquestionsforafun,quizstylechallenge.
Forthosewholiketolearnbydoing, trytimestablessnap cards,scavengerhuntswherechildrenshootaNerfdartatthe correctanswerorstickmultiplicationquestionsonthestairs sotheysolveoneoneachstep.Jumpingtothecorrectanswer writteninchalkoutsideorbuildingarrayswithLegocanalso reinforceunderstandingthroughaction.
Forthosewhoaredrawntocolourandlayout, usecoloured multiplicationcharts,highlightpatternsandencouragechildren
Mathematicallanguage
Thelanguagesurroundingmultiplicationiscrucialfor children’sunderstanding.Wordssuchasgroupsof,lots of,times,multipliedbyandproduct,alldescribethesame operationindifferentcontexts.
Childrenalsoneedtorecogniserelatedvocabularyincluding factor,multipleandarray.Understandingthat3x4means threegroupsoffourhelpsbuildconceptualclarity.
Precisemathematicallanguagesupportsreasoning,problemsolvingandexplaininganswers.
Whenchildrenconfidentlyuseandunderstandmultiplication vocabulary,theydevelopdeepernumbersenseandstronger mathematicalcommunicationskillsoverall.
tonoticenumberrelationships.Forexample,allmultiplesoffive endinzeroorfiveandthedigitsintheninetimestablefollow aclearpattern.Seeingtheseconnectionsreducestheneedto memoriseeachfactseparately.
AIcanalsobeacreativeally.ParentscanuseAItoolsto generatepersonalisedresourcesthatreflectachild’sinterests. Forafootballfan,createtimestablescardsfeaturingtheir favouriteteamcoloursorbadgealongsidemultiplication facts.Forachildwholovesanimalsorspace,designthemed quizzesorprintableposters. Personalrelevanceincreases engagement.
Whateverthemethod,shortandfrequentpracticeiskey.Five focusedminuteseachdayismoreeffectivethanalongweekly session.Isolatetrickytablesforafewdaysbeforemixingthem backin.
Encouragechildrentoexplainhowtheyknowananswer,notjust sayit.
Mostimportantly,keepitpositive.Confidencebuildsfluency. Timestablesarenotaboutracingagainstamachine;theyare aboutequippingchildrenwithmentaltoolsthatwillsupport themthroughouttheireducation.InaworldshapedbyAI, foundationalknowledgeiswhatenableschildrentouse technologythoughtfullyandindependently.
ZuzuisaMasteryforMathsSpecialistwhohastaughtprimaryfor eighteenyearsandisDirectorofArnettInternational.ForFREE resourcesandtips,findheronInstagram@edumate_uk
Timestablesgrabbag
Awell-stockedtimestablehomeworkgrabbagshould includequick,practicalresourcesthatmakelearningeasy andengaging.
Addasetofflashcards,asmall,laminatedmultiplicationchart andawhiteboardwithpenforquickpractice.Includetimes tablesnapcardsorsimplediceformultiplicationgames. Aprintedlistofkeyfactsforfocustablesishelpful,alongwith colouredpensforhighlightingpatterns.
Finally,addasmallrewardcharttocelebrateeffortand consistentprogress.
