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Let’s Party What's On Clubs & Classes

Issue 130 January / February 2022

familiesonline.co.uk

When a marriage breaks down, get the help you need to move on.

Marriages and relationships end for all kinds of reasons. But whatever the circumstances, it’s always an upsetting time for the whole family and you can often end up feeling isolated and guilty, especially if there are children involved. At Gibson Kerr, our friendly and experienced divorce solicitors have helped hundreds of people through this situation and we understand that everyone’s circumstances are unique. If you or someone close to you is going through a divorce or separation and needs a helping hand, get in touch for a chat. We can guide you through your options to ensure the best outcome for all. Because we know that family comes first. For a no-obligation confidential conversation to understand your options, call our Family Law Partner, Fiona Rasmusen, on 0131 226 9161 or email fiona.rasmusen@gibsonkerr.co.uk. www.gibsonkerr.co.uk

2 Families Edinburgh

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news &views

Help fund vital research by joining Wear A Hat Day!

What’s Inside 3-6

Local News & Views

Birthday Party Guide by Sarah Butters

9 – 11

Let’s Party

Midlothian for family days out

Out & About

Join thousands of children, parents and teachers on Friday 25th March for Wear A Hat Day – a great way to bring people together and raise vital funds for leading charity Brain Tumour Research.

14 – 15 Helping kids with eco-anxiety by Angela Terry

0131 622 0405

Coming at the end of March, Brain Tumour Awareness Month, several celebrities are supporting this hattastic campaign.

editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

The latest set of collectable Wear A Hat Day pin badges have a regal theme in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. Order your box of badges to sell during registration! Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. This is unacceptable and Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this. Funds raised from Wear A Hat Day will help towards establishing a new Research Centre of Excellence.

@FamiliesEdinburghMagazine @Familiesedinbur

Danny Clarke Sarah Beeny Caprice Bourret Dame Sheila Hancock DBE

www.wearahatday.org #WearAHatDay familiesonline.co.uk

Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland)

Email us - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Families Edinburgh 3

news &views New Montessori Primary School in Edinburgh

The Big Garden Birdwatch 2022

The Montessori Nursery School in Murrayfield is delighted to announce they will shortly be welcoming children aged 6–12.

Get your family involved in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and help monitor bird life in the UK. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 28 and 30 January. Challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike ride to a local park or make a day trip out of it and spot birds in a new place.

©Eleanor Bentall rspb-images.com

You can also watch Big Garden Birdwatch Live! on Youtube and Facebook to see what birds are being spotted across the UK with live commentary, interviews and chats with special guests and wildlife experts and the chance to ask them questions. Register and get your FREE guide at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

©Eleanor Bentall rspb-images.com

Dreaming of a family retreat to South West France this summer? Nestled in the heart of the stunning Dordogne, Le Chevrefeuille B&B and self-catering is the ideal family holiday haven. Their world-renowned Montessori curriculum supports a holistic approach that unlocks the natural curiosity of children, developing confident life-long learners and responsible citizens of the world. Supported by a caring and highly experienced team, children will also have opportunities in Art, Nature and Spanish, as they develop academic learning, interpersonal skills, empathy, resilience, joy and a thirst to discover more.

Approved by leading UK preschool tour operators, Le Chevrefeuille is easy to reach with low-cost direct flights from Edinburgh to Bergerac and Bordeaux. This stunning accommodation has won Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence every year since opening and is centrally located to Dordogne’s most famous tourist sites. Onsite there’s ample kid-friendly entertainment: toy-room, pool with safety fence, animals, bikes and beautiful grassed play area. All baby equipment is provided and for kids of all ages: babysitting! Parents will love the stunning poolside views, beautifully appointed rooms and cottages and award-winning cookery school. For a unique experience, sign up for the highly acclaimed family cookery course - it’s fun, educational and a great opportunity for some family bonding time!

“Free the child's potential, and you will transform them into the world.” Maria Montessori The new school will open in August 2022. For more information contact info@themontessorinurseryschool.com www.themontessorinurseryschool.com

Quote ‘Families Edinburgh’ for a 5% discount off all bookings (outwith July and August). Visit www.dordognefamilyholiday.com for more information on this blissful family retreat!

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2022 Easter Egg Hunts What's on and so much more! Book now - 0131 622 0405 editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk 4 Families Edinburgh

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New Year, New Studio! 2022 is off to an exciting start for DN Dance. Already established in many locations across Edinburgh, the ambitious family-run business is set to open DN Studios, Centre for Dance & Performing Arts, a brand-new facility at 9b South Gyle Crescent. To view the new studio, meet the friendly team and find out what’s on offer, pop along to the Open Day from 10:00-15:00 on Saturday 8 January. Featuring three large studios with sprung floors, triple height ceilings, mirrored walls and ballet barres. One studio has technology installed which enables it to double up as a cinema room for parties and summer schools.

The venue also includes a reception, dance-wear shop, dedicated waiting area, kitchen, separate girls and boys changing, onsite parking, secure bike storage; and is within 5 minute walking distance from 6 bus stops, Bankhead tram, South Gyle train station. The expansive timetable at the new studio offers classes in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, contemporary, acro, dance fitness, musical theatre, commercial, urban and street dance - with some ‘all boys’ dance classes too. Classes start on Monday 10 January 2022 and take place six days a week for kids and adults of all ages. The team behind DN Dance have also set up a not-for-profit company to provide funded programmes of dance to communities across Edinburgh who have specialist needs; such as autism, dementia, mobility issues and those from extreme poverty. Classes will be funded through grants, with the goal to maximise inclusion. For more info, or to sign up for classes, go to www.dndance.co.uk/dn-studios.

Take part in National Storytelling Week National Storytelling Week takes place from 29 January to 5 February and during this period, stories will be told in schools and theatres, pubs, museums, village halls, community centres and in many other places across the UK. Speech and language therapists believe that storytelling is vital for children’s academic success as it promotes narrative skills and strengthens the ability of children to correctly sequence ideas. To be a good reader and writer a child needs firstly to be a good speaker and listener.

Above all though, storytelling is fun. Whether we are listening to someone else’s story or telling our own, inventing and adapting stories can open doors to exciting new worlds — both real and imaginary. To find a local event or to look through its extensive archive, visit www.sfs.org.uk

Family Friendly Holidays Dordogne, France “As our boys chased the hens and gaped at the sparkling pool, I knew immediately we had arrived at a place of French countryside perfection...”

www.dordognefamilyholiday.com familiesonline.co.uk

Montessori Primary School for children aged 6-12 opening in Murrayfield August 2022. Monday - Friday (term time) 8.15 - 15.30 0131 346 8921 www.themontessorinurseryschool.com

Families Edinburgh 5

news &views Joy Tots Joy Tots is a safe and welcoming space for parents and carers to be able to relax, play and create with their little ones. Offering great coffee, delicious food and cakes, a safe clean play area and wonderful drop in craft opportunities. A range of classes are offered including baby massage, sensory disco and Rhymetime. Joy Tots stocks a small range of clothing, books and craft packs to take home as well as offering personalised gifts including beautiful hand and foot prints with your choice of design and wording. Weekends are available for exclusive hire for Birthdays, Baby Showers, Craft Parties, Christenings & more. 117 Ferry Road, Edinburgh

Code Ninjas

Institut Français Ecosse

Code Ninjas is a coding for children aged 5 – 14.

Our language centre draws upon 70 years of experience in Scotland with many programmes teaching French as a foreign language available for all ages and levels.

At Code Ninjas children learn to code by building their very own video games! Coding teaches logic, creativity and problem solving, not to mention giving children the very valuable skill of computer programming which will only become more in demand in the future. Kids will love working their way up the Ninjas belts while creating their own games and making new friends. Classes run everyday after school with holiday camps in the school breaks. Problem Solving. Computer Literacy. Fun. Friends. Just get in touch to book your free game building session!

Their immersive method is conversation-based, developing your ability to speak in real-life situations with experienced native French teachers who will guide you from bonjour to full fluency. We provide our young people with a taste of France and a supportive environment to become fluent. Alongside our Youth Courses taking place on Saturdays mornings, we also offer various fun activities and cultural experiences that consolidate French skills. West Parliament Square, Edinburgh ifecosse.org.uk

Eric Liddel Centre, EH10

Free

New Year! New Skills!

Game Building Session

Give your kids a head start in 2022 with Code Ninjas

Coding club for kids age 5 - 14 Children love coding their own games and making new friends!

Coding teaches: problem solving creativity logic computational thinking

ah! Hi-Y

Scan QR code to book a free session

FRENCH-UP YOUR WINTER ADULTS & KIDS

From 17 January to 02 April 2022 @ifecosse

07951 293196

@InstitutFrancaisEcosse

edinburghmlnuk@codeninjas.com Eric Liddell centre, 15 Morningside Road, EH10 4DP

6 Families Edinburgh

Call us on 0131 622 0405

www.ifecosse.org.uk

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Families Edinburgh 7

Birthday Party Guide One of my children has a birthday in December so when I put this birthday party guide together it is usually with a slight party hangover (and by that I don’t mean I was knocking back the wine...tempting though that would have been). It’s just that at the time of writing the memory of the birthday sleepover with 7 of their friends is still VERY fresh and I’m still not entirely sure what that stubborn sticky patch on the floor is. But rather than being able to say “Never again” I know there’s another one to start planning for all too soon!

DON’T be afraid to chase late replies Experience has taught me that parents who don’t respond within the first few days of an invite either haven’t received it, or have forgotten. Give yourself a helping hand by putting an RSVP date on the invite. After that, don’t be afraid to ‘remind’ via text or over a pick up time chat in the playground. For those replies that never arrive, and there will be some, head to your party venue armed with some extra food and a few unmarked party bags. Don’t let the unexpected guests catch you out!

DO consider a joint party Instead or entering into a ‘Who can get the invite out first’ race with other parents, join forces and funds. If your child has a friend whose birthday falls around the same time, why not organise a party together. If you’re going to invite the same group of friends and even opt for the same sort of party, this is a great option that halves the cost and the stress. Make sure you and your party partner are clear about the planning and the expectations.

8 Families Edinburgh

DON’T over cater You are feeding a group of children not an army of starving soldiers. Appetites shrink as excitement builds so there is no need to provide a smorgasbord of sandwiches.

DO check for allergies In a group of 20 children, chances are there will be some allergies, and some children who can’t eat certain food for religious reasons. Ask about allergies when you know who is coming along.

DON’T invite too make children This is a mistake you’ll only make once. 30 children and 30 parents will fill even the most generous village hall. Add a bouncy castle and some uninvited siblings and you are nearly on riot watch.

DO consider your party date It’s heartbreaking to receive a steady stream of ‘nos’ after you’ve spent weeks securing an entertainer and a venue on a particular date. Give yourself half a chance by avoiding key dates, like Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day, and religious holidays such as Easter Saturday and Yom Kippur. Parents tend to jet off on holiday as soon as school’s out, or just before term begins again so avoid weekends at either end of the school holidays.

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DO plan early If you think you can book your first choice entertainer and venue a fortnight before your child’s party, think again. The best people and places are fully booked months in advance and if they’re not, ask yourself why not. It’s a question I wish I had posed the year I left it late and introduced a knife juggling circus act to my 4 year old. It’s not a mistake I made twice.

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And that is where these Do’s and Don’t of Birthday parties put together by Sarah Butters will come in very handy. DON’T make it too long The length of your party is very much dependent on the age of your children. But there is one consistent rule. Make sure you put a finish time on your invites. Our party experts say one hour of entertainment is about as much as the average 2-4 year old can take, followed by half an hour for food and farewells. You can increase that to a two hour party once children turn 5 years old. From experience once kids have their party bags they are pretty much ready to leave!

DO party bags Usually found in the back of your car a week after the party, just as the buttercream icing from the napkin wrapped cake is going rancid. But woe betide the parent who thinks they’re above a party bag. It’s a sure fire way to get your guests sobbing as they leave. Don’t fight it, simply be creative and accept that simplicity is the key. And if you want to impress by being the ultimate organised mum, include a pre prepared thank you note. Bribing a child to write notes is easier when there’s the threat of a lost party on the horizon. And finally, DO read the next few pages for some great ideas on where to hold your party - and DO tell them you found them in Families Edinburgh!

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Let’s Party Celebrate your wee adventurer’s special day with a party at Edinburgh Leisure! We currently offer inflatable fun with our bouncy castle parties at Drumbrae, Gracemount and Kirkliston Leisure Centres, but coming soon in early 2022, we’re bringing back a range of active and exciting parties. Coming to the Royal Commonwealth Pool is AquaDash – our wild and wet assault course. At the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, your child can scale the walls with a Clip ‘n Climb party. Or maybe your little one would rather let loose with a Soft Play party? To book your party, or find out more, visit edinburghleisure.co.uk

GO APE Treat your mini explorers to the jungle vip experience at Go Ape Dalkeith Country Park and we’ll make it the best tree top adventure ever. A Go Ape experience is full of thrills and excitement, perfect for an unforgettable kids' birthday. You will tackle high ropes, bridges and tricky crossings - and will whizz down a few zip wires, too. You can book your activity online and will be given the opportunity to add party bags and gloves. There’s picnic tables on the grounds to cut a birthday cake and sing happy birthday to your jungle VIP! goape.co.uk/groups/birthday-parties or call 01603895500

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A ceilidh is a great way to celebrate, if all the guests like to dance! CeilidhKids provides Scottish dancing and music for all the family, and ours works best as a family party, with adults joining in too. Children not yet at school will definitely need an adult partner. We’re looking forward to coming along to your birthday party to lead an hour of dancing for your family and friends. You book the hall and provide refreshments, we bring the music and the fun! See you soon for a dance. www.ceilidhkids.com

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BOOK ONLINE TODAY

BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

tReEtOP

Bouncy Castle parties now available.

pArTY! dAlKeItH cOuNtRY pArK

Soft Play, AquaDash, and Climbing parties coming in Spring 2022.

edinburghleisure.co.uk

eDiNbUrGH Registered Scottish Charity No: SC027450

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Families Edinburgh 9

Joy Tots has party or event venue hire available for exclusive use with great packages tailored perfectly to your needs and budget. Our lovely space offers you an ideal venue to host a birthday party, baby shower, family get-together or reunion, or even hold seminars or events. With space for up to 32 people we can offer flexible room layouts to suit your needs. Need help planning? We can help with catering, party favours, craft activities and more. joytots.com

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Let’s Party Doodles now has a separate party room that can be booked up for any age or event. The best age for a Doodles pottery painting party is 8 and up and family visits for younger children work well, as group size is smaller. The average party is £14.50 per head for 1.5hrs.. We have a wide selection of pottery items to choose from that are fun and functional. So if you are looking for a unique and crafty party visit Doodles website for more information or call one of the Doodles team on 0131 229 1399/ www.doodlesscotland.co.uk ####################################################

BOOK A RUGBYTOTS PARTY NOW! Looking for a high energy party. Give Rugbytots a try! Our parties are focused on games and having fun and are not skill specific so can be enjoyed by everyone, boys and girls from age 4 -7. Our coaches are enthusiastic and well trained to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience.

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EDINBURGH

Parties for all your Ninjas occasions. Full 1 hour session on our Ninja courses, parkour lane and Inflatable race course with air bag and your very own party room with host, hot food and goodies! Head over to our website to check out the details! https://ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/edinburgh/bookings/

“Thanks for a great party on Sunday. The whole family enjoyed it!! The games were fantastic and kept all the children very well entertained, I think you will have a few new Rugbytots!” For further details contact sandra@rugbytots.co.uk or 0345 313 3252 ####################################################

ORCADIA TRAMPOLINE CENTRE We offer self-catering children’s parties with 1 Hour private use of our Trampoline Room and half hour use of our café for food and cake. Times available on Saturdays and Sundays Maximum of 20 Children Cost £150 All profits help fund our Arts Programmes for Adults with Additional needs For Bookings or Enquiries Contact 0131-669-1075 or orcadia1@btconnect.com Scottish Reg. Charity No.SC019623 3 WINDSOR PLACE, PORTOBELLO, EH15 2AJ www.orcadiacentre.org.uk

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MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

DISCOVER RUGBYTOTS

Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, just call or email:

0345 313 3252 kirsty@rugbytots.co.uk

rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme

10 Families Edinburgh

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At TimeTwisters we want to make sure your child’s birthday is a special occasion to remember – for you, for them and for their friends. So we work hard to make sure everything about your special event runs smoothly and everyone has an amazing time. Whether you choose a “run around daft” soft-play party, and delightful Make-a-Bear Party or the adventure and excitement of a LaserTag party. TimeTwisters has been the place where all the best parties have been since we opened in 2006. Check out the details of our party options at timetwisters.co.uk/parties and reserve your date now to guarantee the most amazing party in history. ######################################

DN DANCE DANCE STUDIO Parties from age: 5+ Make 2022 a special birthday and let DN Dance host a party full of fun and celebrations for your budding star! Choose your favourite music or theme and DN Dance will create a bespoke dance party just for you. Parties are best at our dance studio in Chesser, but can also be arranged at a venue of your choice. Contact: Fiona 0131 4430753 info@dndance.co.uk www.dndance.co.uk

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Let’s Party FOAM DART THUNDER: THE ULTIMATE PARTY IDEA! We are proud to be the UK’s Award Winning Premier Nerf Party and Event Provider. Safe, foam dart games, tournaments, events and Nerf parties for kids (ages 6 and over) and adults of all ages – yes, the adults get to join in too! “My son absolutely loved his Nerf party with the guys at Foam Dart Thunder – David was great with the kids!” Shauna – East Lothian Fully insured and have PVG/Disclosure Scotland. Get in touch to find out more and book your party! www.foamdartthunder.com ######################################

Are you looking for a birthday party, packed full of active fun to excite, energise and entertain! Then it had better be an enjoyleisure birthday party! Across East Lothian you can choose from a range of active party options. Create a splash at a pool party! Hire out Dunbar Leisure Pool for you and your friends or enjoy aquatic fun on one of our Aqua-runs. Jump to your heart’s delight on the bouncy castles (or the trampolines at North Berwick Sports Centre). Hire one of the halls for a sporting activity of your choice or invite all your friends to exclusively enjoy soft play at either Jamboree or Wiggles! Parents .. we can even do the catering for you too! Each of our catering packages can be tailored to suit your needs, so all you need to do is bring the cake! For information about each party option and the catering options available visit www.enjoyleisure.com

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Kids' Dance Parties CREATING MAGICAL MEMORIES dndance.co.uk/kids-dance-parties

A mazing dance parties full of energy, fun, games and of course, dancing!

up to 30 guests with your own selcetion of B ring party food, and we’ll take care of the rest.

hoose your favourite songs and we'll make a bespoke dance routine for your party

D ance your routine in a mini show for the parents at the end

ties • Pool Parties

• Edinburgh, EH14 1QB

info@dndance.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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Aqua Run Parties Aq

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Soft Play Parties Bouncy Castle Parties Trampolining Parties Multi-Sport Parties

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www.enjoyleisure.com Delivering services for East Lothian Council. Enjoy East Lothian Ltd, Scottish Registered Charity SC040527.

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Families Edinburgh 11

for family days out Weekend days out or the February school holiday, look no further than Midlothian for a local day trip with friends or family. There’s lots to offer in the region just a few miles from home, and so close to adventure, mystery, freedom and fun! With less time travelling and more time having fun, everyone is a winner. Adventure

Mystery and History Discover our five star attractions National Mining Museum Scotland and Rosslyn Chapel, famous places and national treasures with tours, trails and fun family activities for kids.

Dalkeith Country Park itself has 300 years of history, some fantastic heritage buildings and 1000 acres of land. Find something for everyone with walks, wildlife and wonderful shopping in addition to the activities that abound. And is a stone’s throw away from the rest of the region’s attractions for that escape from the city.

Run free in our glorious nature The region boasts some of the finest activity centres in the country with Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Britain’s largest artificial ski slope set on the stunning hillside of the Pentlands National Park plus our indoor attractions with Eden Rock for climbing and Ryze for trampolining there’s exhilaration and memory making right there. Both offer experiences for novices and fun for all the family. Fort Douglas at Dalkeith Country Park will likely be a firm favourite and new to experience there is Go Ape which opened summer 2021, adding to the star quality adventure destination that is Midlothian.

Roslin Village and glen nearby are great places for a wander, and a fabulous supershake at Dolly’s tea room is a highlight, not just for the young ones!

Something new to try?

Toptracer Golf Range at Melville Golf Centre, well known for being the perfect starter for trying out golf and great for all the family or perhaps Dalhousie Falconry, fabulous for children and adults to enjoy something unique and be introduced up close to an owl or a raptor. Special experience designed for children under 12 where the activity lasts 45 minutes and during that time they will be introduced to all the birds, as well as fly an owl. Varied experiences for adults too. Driftwood Adventure offer a multitude of adventurous experiences including paddle boarding on Gladhouse Reservoir.

12 Families Edinburgh

Time and time again the stories around Rosslyn Chapel, intrigue visitors. There’s 15th century knights and dragons, the chapel’s angels and counting the green men as well as the Chapel playing a starring role in the Da Vinci Code story and film with Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou! The Chapel is open all year and has a new children’s guide available from February.

Set in the wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery, National Mining Museum Scotland tells the story of coal for Scotland. Visitors can discover the miners’ way of life through two floors of exhibitions and a tour of the pithead, recreated underground and coalface with an ex-miner guide. Kids love it here. Discover the history of our local places and why not start with Dalkeith Museum where artefacts illustrate the history of Dalkeith and how the town has changed over centuries from the Roman times to present day. A trail walk through the town to Dalkeith Country Park for some fun and food is a winner.

Just outside Edinburgh you have easy access to some lovely places for walking, cycling and exploring big nature. The Pentland Hills, riverside walks, way marked routes in our fabulous parks at Vogrie and Dalkeith Country Parks are great options, both with cafes. Discover Penicuik House parkland or Newbattle Abbey grounds (featured in recent Princess Switch film), Lord Ancrum’s Wood or landscape around Gladhouse Reservoir for longer hikes.

And why not pop in to the region’s eateries for some fine food and warming drinks. You’ll find lots of suggested stopping off places for all budgets on the Midlothian family days out website, along with more tips, special offers and booking details. www.locateinmidlothian.co.uk/familydays

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OUT&ABOUT

We LOVE sharing everything that is going on in and around Edinburgh with you every issue but at the time of going to print with this issue there is some uncertainty over what may or may not be going ahead at the beginning of 2022. We are keeping our fingers firmly crossed (as we have so many times over the last year or so) that everything can safely stay open. Usually we’d be listing events by date but have decided to share links to websites so you can find out more direct from them. ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH Arboretum Place EH3 5NZ www.rbge.org.uk

DOODLES CERAMICS WORKSHOP Marchmont Crescent, EH9 1HQ www.doodlesscotland.co.uk NATIONAL MUSEUMS SCOTLAND National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, EH1 1JF

SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE High Street, Edinburgh www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com

NATIONAL WAR MUSEUM Within Edinburgh Castle NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FLIGHT East Fortune Airfield NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RURAL LIFE East Kilbride www.nms.ac.uk DYNAMIC EARTH Holyrood Road EH8 8AS www.dynamicearth.co.uk NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND Various venues in and around Edinburgh www.nts.org.uk

EDINBURGH MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES Includes: City Arts Centre, Lauriston Castle, Museum of Childhood, Museum of Edinburgh www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

BRUNTON THEATRE Ladywell Way, Musselburgh www.thebrunton.co.uk CONIFOX Kirkliston, EH29 9ER www.conifox.co.uk CRAIGIES West Craigies Farm, EH30 9AR www.craigies.co.uk TIMETWISTERS Bankhead Drive, EH11 4EJ www.timetwisters.co.uk

HOLYROOD PARK Queens Drive, EH8 8HG www.historicenvironment.scot

NINJA WARRIOR Salamander Street, EH6 7LA www.ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/edinburgh

FESTIVAL THEATRE AND THE STUDIO Nicholson Street, EH8 www.capitaltheatres.com

LOVE GORGIE FARM 51 Gorgie Road, EH11 2LA www.lovegorgiefarm.org.uk

KINGS THEATRE Leven Street, Edinburgh www.capitaltheatres.com

EDINBURGH ZOO Corstorphine Road, EH12 6TS www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

WHAT WILL YOU CREATE?

"#" $#% "&

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birthday parties for all ages unique gifts for all occasions clay classes baby prints clay imprints take home kits vouchers commissions 100s of colours to choose from

NEW EXPANDED PREMISES www.doodlescotland.co.uk 27-29 Marchmont Cres EH9 1HQ 0131 229 1399

Families Edinburgh 13

Helping kids with eco-anxiety By Angela Terry Growing up in a time of climate crisis is not easy. Images of deforestation, melting glaciers and outof-control wildﬁres seem everywhere. The scale and severity of the situation is difficult for adults to comprehend. Naturally, children can ﬁnd it overwhelming. Eco-anxiety is increasingly prevalent amongst our kids. Research by Bath University shows that sixty percent of children and young people describe themselves as ‘very or extremely worried’ about climate change. As a mum and environmental scientist, I am well aware of the difficulties of talking to children about this subject. The temptation is to tell them not to worry. But actually this will add to their genuine concern that this issue is being ignored by the ‘grown-ups.’ Focus instead on positive solutions. Here are my tips: Remind children that together we can change the world

Make joint green family spending decisions

Taking everyday actions can empower kids. Like eating less meat or snuggling under a blanket instead of turning up the thermostat. But remind them that it’s practically impossible to live a completely sustainable life. The world needs lots of people doing sustainability imperfectly, rather than a few doing it perfectly.

Discuss with your children which products your family buys. There are sustainable alternatives for everything, from food and fashion to cars and bank accounts. If the green alternative is more expensive, ask your children if they would be happy to go without something to pay for it. This allows them to understand the power of purchasing.

Point them to less frightening online resources

Help them join or start a group with friends

Exposure to gloomy predictions online can affect children’s moods. Make sure they are looking at websites that talk about climate change in an unthreatening way without a barrage of scary statistics. NASA’s Climate Kids website has been designed speciﬁcally for children and has a wide range of resources, including videos and games.

Joining climate-focused community and action groups can be of huge beneﬁt to children with feelings of anxiety, helplessness and despair. The sense of shared belonging and concern can be very comforting. Working towards tangible solutions with others gives kids a greater sense of control.

NEXT ISSUE March / April

2022

Easter Egg Hunts What's on and so much more! Book now - 0131 622 0405 editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk 14 Families Edinburgh

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Talking to children about the climate crisis As a parent your first instinct is to protect your kids but it’s not helpful to tell them not to concern themselves with climate change. Worrying about this huge problem is entirely normal. Here are some suggestions for handling those tricky conversations: Listen to your child’s worries and acknowledge them. Don’t dismiss them out-of-hand. Empathise. Show you’re concerned too. But don’t focus on doomsday scenarios. There is no cliff edge. Point out they’re not alone. Talk about all the people who are also worried and striving to effect. change. Check out Instagram accounts which offer a solutions-based outlook like @thegreenhub @ouronehome @lowimpactmovement. Empower without making them feel overly responsible. Tell them we all have a role to play in addressing this issue – but it’s not all on them. Point out positive climate news stories whenever you come across them. Teach anxiety regulation techniques, like breathing and mindfulness. Angela Terry is an environmental scientist and mum of three. She’s the founder of One Home (www.onehome.org.uk), the UK's first consumer climate action hub – providing independent, practical advice on the changes you can make to help fight global warming and adapt to climate change.

Practical things to do One of the best ways to help children feel better about the climate emergency is to empower them to do something about it. It can be as simple as encouraging them to walk to school instead of being driven! Here are some activity ideas for the whole family: Rewild your garden. Set up a bug hotel. Start growing vegetables. Replace some of your lawn with wildﬂowers. Make low-carbon meals based around local fruit and vegetables from a farmer’s market, if possible (or even produce you’ve grown yourselves!) Take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch (www.rspb.org.uk), the Great British Spring Clean (www.keepbritaintidy.org) or Earth Day (www.earthday.org). Fundraise for a green charity by organising a low-carbon bake sale or doing a sponsored walk. Craft homemade birthday and Christmas presents for loved ones. Shut curtains and blinds from dusk until dawn to keep the heat in (and energy bills low). Write to your MP and explain why you are concerned about climate change.

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