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IN THIS ISSUE

Help Fight Plastic Pollution Recognising a subtle type of bullying Christmas Party at Easton Farm Park

Win Toys for Christmas! Micro Scooter + LOTS MORE See Inside - T&C's apply familiesonline.co.uk Issue 56: Nov/Dec 2020 familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 1 familiesonline.co.uk Families Suffolk: Issue 56 1

Toy Giveaway! Vroom Vroom Plate

Conversation Cards

Sword & Shield Sets

Micro Scooter

Knitted Diplodocuses

Driving Experience

Space Magnetic Pack

Mermaid Tails

Robo Wunderkind

Animal Wall Prints

German Attack Games

See Gift Guide for details

2 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk

Hello... Welcome to this new edition of Families Suffolk Magazine. What a year 2020 has been, I don't think anyone could have predicted such a turbulent year, and as we head into the festive period, I sincerely hope that you and your family are able to find some joy and however Christmas is celebrated this year, I hope it is merry. As we now find ourselves in another lock down, I would also like to take this opportunity to once again thank our amazing NHS staff, key workers and a special mention to the wonderful teaching and school support staff here in Suffolk. You have all done such an amazing job of keeping the schools open and our children safe during such difficult times. Thank you. IN THIS ISSUE... If you are looking for some much needed Christmas cheer this year, then take a look at pages 14-15. The New Wolsey Theatre and the Red Rose Chain are both putting on Christmas shows that can be live streamed into your living rooms. Easton Farm Park will also be hosting a Christmas Party througout December - sure to be great day out for the whole family. Don't miss our Public Health feature on pages 10-11 to read more helpful information from Suffolk County Council about the flu vaccination and a coronavirus update. Families® are also giving you a chance to WIN some fantastic toys in our Toy Giveaway. To find out more please subscribe to our special online edition. Simply visit: www. bit.ly/2XolhJe. It's completely FREE to sign up and you will receive every online issue of Families Suffolk Magazine direct to your inbox. Our special online edition also has some great additional content and is full of ideas to help keep your family entertained at home this Christmas.

IN THIS ISSUE 4

Suffolk Libraries

6-7

Education

Help Fight Plastic Pollution

Christmas Fire Safety Advice

10 - 11 Public Health 12

Clubs & Classes

Suffolk Museums

14 - 15

Christmas What's On

Don't forget you can stay up to date with local information and event details on our facebook page.

growing closer

Best Wishes

Stacey Phillips

Editor

We’re Suffolk

through and through We’re interested in what our

members and the local community

are doing and we’re happy to roll

up our sleeves to help them grow and prosper.

Advertising: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk | 07951 946736 Events & What’s On: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk Our Next Issue: January / February 2021 Print: Printed in the UK by Warwick Printing.

w w w.ibs.co.uk

0330 123 0723

PRINT DISCLAIMER: Families Suffolk Ltd is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Suffolk Ltd are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Suffolk Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Suffolk Ltd; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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November/ December 3 Families Suffolk: Issue 56

We’re still still here here for for We’re you and and your your family! family! you Ourpopular popularonline onlineservices serviceswill willentertain entertainand and Our engageyou youand andyour yourfamily familyduring duringlockdown. lockdown. engage Librarystaff staffwill willbebestreaming streamingand andsharing sharing Library children’sstorytelling storytellingsessions sessionsand andcraft craft children’s activitiesfor foryou youtotoenjoy enjoytogether togetheratathome. home. activities Enjoya wide a widerange rangeofofeBooks eBooksforforyou youand andyour your Enjoy childrenand andrelax relaxwith withour ourvideo videostreaming streamingservices services children Kanopyand andKanopy KanopyKids. Kids.It’sIt’sallallfree free– all – allyou youneed need Kanopy is a library card, which you can get online. is a library card, which you can get online. Some essential services will still Some essential services will still bebe running from libraries during lockdown running from libraries during lockdown and we hope to fully open all libraries and we hope to fully open all libraries w rro Bo e th t ou w k rro as soon as we can. Libraries have ec Bo Ch as soon as we can. Libraries have Check out the ite bs we COVID-19 safety procedures r bsite n on ctnioon COVID-19 safety procedures in in r we ouou ctio sese place, so you can visit safely with g in ad re place, so you can visit safely with reading s ofs of ndnd sasa ouou forfothr th your families. your families.

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you’reexpecting expectinga ababy babyororhave havea achild childunder under If Ifyou’re 5 our new perinatal support service is there to suffolklibraries.co.uk 5 our new perinatal support service is there to suffolklibraries.co.uk provideonline onlinesupport supportand andinformation. information.We’re We’re provide alsorunning runningonline onlinecoffee coffeemornings morningsfor foryou youtoto also meet and chat with other people in your position. meet and chat with other people in your position. Formore moreinfo infovisit visitwww.suffolklibraries.co.uk/baby www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/baby For or email memyselfandbaby@suffolklibraries.co.uk or email memyselfandbaby@suffolklibraries.co.uk Youcan canalso alsojoin joinour ourFacebook Facebookgroup group- You www.facebook/groups/memyselfandbaby www.facebook/groups/memyselfandbaby Myself and Baby a partnership project between Suffolk MeMe Myself and Baby is aispartnership project between Suffolk Libraries, Suffolk Mind, Children’s Centres, Norfolk and Suffolk Libraries, Suffolk Mind, Children’s Centres, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and Get Me Out of These Four Walls with NHS Foundation Trust and Get Me Out of These Four Walls with funding from Suffolk Community Foundation through Realising funding from Suffolk Community Foundation through Realising Ambitions – East. Ambitions – East.

4 November/December

Families Suffolk: Issue 56

Suffolk Libraries a charity. Please support your library service and consider making Suffolk Libraries is is a charity. Please support your library service and consider making a regular or one-off donation, for details please visit www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/donate familiesonline.co.uk a regular or one-off donation, for details please visit www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/donate familiesonline.co.uk

How Many Toys Does a Child Need? By Andrew Campbell

Toys have a way of taking over. Of course, it starts innocently enough. As a parent you love your child and you want to make them happy. But before you know it, you find yourself knee-deep in discarded Legos and naked Barbie dolls. The children are bored; the house is a mess; no one is happy! Toys are easy to come by these days. Equally, parents who cannot spend as much time with their children as they would like may try to occupy them with new toys or assuage their guilt with gifts. We may also feel a compulsion to buy our children things to show we love them, or equally powerfully, feel a desire for our children to have more than we did. The reality though is that most families have too many toys. And sadly, more toys actually equals less play.

So why is this? Children are easily overwhelmed with choice, and a child who is unsure of what to play with often ends up playing with nothing at all. But the problem is even more fundamental. Our obsession with flashy plastic junk has taught our children to be passive participants in play. Instead of playing with toys, they expect to be amused by them. And they are… for about five seconds. Then it is back to the toy box. According to a study published in the journal Infant Behavior and Development, an environment with fewer toys is better for children. The study observed 36 toddlers. Some were given four toys, and some sixteen. It was found that an abundance of toys actually reduced the quality of toddlers’ play. Fewer toys helped toddlers focus better and play more creatively. And it’s not just about the quantity of toys. The quality is also factor. Another study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that the best toys for constructive play are non-electronic ones: the ones that are simpler and support parents and children playing, pretending, and interacting

Instead of toys… One-on-one outings: your child chooses an activity to do with you like skating, dining out or bowling. Experiences: lots of possibilities including junior zoo experience, steam train journey, , go-karting or a theme park. Magazine subscriptions: there are loads of great magazines for children from comics to specialist magazines covering everything from football to history. They will love regularly receiving one in the post! Memberships: if there's a zoo, aquarium, museum, theatre, familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

together. More and more families are taking a ‘minimalist’ approach to toys - cutting back on the clutter and focusing on quality over quantity. With Christmas approaching, now may be a good time to consider this approach. In the meantime, here are some tips to help you reclaim your play room or family space.

Tips for Toy Overload 20 toy rule: ask your child to select 20 toys to keep. Store or give away others. Start slow: children often resist giving up toys. If the 20 toy rule doesn’t work, start with one thing first. Talk about giving/donating and generosity. Prioritise binning the plastic junk, like Happy Meal-type toys! Start Rotating. A well-organised toy rotation reduces clutter and encourages children to play with more toys. The available toys change regularly, so there’s always something new. Display toys: Toys that can’t be seen go unused. Instead of stuffing them into baskets and bins, organise toys into several themed areas where they are largely on display. Request alternatives. Ask friends and family to take your child on an outing, instead of buying toys. Request that grandparents keep toys they buy at their home for when your child visits. 4 Gift Rule. Try the 4 gift rule at Christmas or birthdays. There are four categories: something they want, need, go to/experience, and read. or music venue in your area, gift your child a membership so they can attend regularly. Some sporting clubs have special junior membership categories. Binoculars or a telescope: throw in a guide to birds, wildlife or astronomy. Subscription boxes: whether it’s cooking, gardening or craft, the monthly delivery of creative goodies will keep on giving. Classes: whether it’s dance, drama, art or athletics, your child can enhance their skills doing something they love or want to learn. A small fruit tree to grow and nurture: a lovely long-term gift. November/ December 5 Families Suffolk: Issue 56

Kumonâ€™s maths and English study programmes work to build your childâ€™s confidence and inspire a passion for learning. Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

Ipswich Central Study Centre Sangeeta Kumar 01473 614665 kumon.co.uk 6 November/December Fees vary. Please refer

Families Suffolk: Issue 56

to your local study centre.

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Recognising a Subtle Type of Bullying By Tanith Carey

Imagine this scene which plays out in schools up and down the country daily... A Year 4 girl, let's call her Annabel, spots a classmate, Lisa, looking and whispering to her best friend, Eve, at break time. Later that day, Eve informs Annabel that she only wants to play with Lisa today – and the two girls sit together at lunch without saving Annabel a seat. Tearful and confused, Annabel torments herself wondering what Lisa could have said about her to Eve – or what she could have possibly done wrong. Until relatively recently, when considering bullying, our main concern has been the physical attacks and intimidation of traditional bullying. But, in recent years, we have started to understand a much more hidden kind of social conflict. It’s relational aggression, a kind of stealth attack, using words and exclusion – and tactics like seat-saving, gossip and blanking. It mainly happens between children in the same friendship groups and classrooms. It works so well because it’s very difficult to spot and even more difficult to prove. If Annabel had complained to her teacher that the other girls were excluding her, the teacher didn't see the whispering, couldn't have proved that Lisa was saying mean things and certainly couldn't force Eve and Lisa to save Annabel a seat. Relational aggression happens all the way through school amongst girls and boys. Among boys, it can be even harder to identify because “teasing” is the actual glue that bonds boys' friendships. By secondary school, boys may call each other by such insulting names and be so sarcastic that it's hard for others to tell when teasing has become hurtful and demeaning for a child. Youngsters caught up in this type of situation may be tearful at home, find it hard to concentrate and may not want to go to school. It's tough for parents to help because so much is going on beneath the radar. Some children may not want to admit it’s happening – they would rather put up with being treated badly than be cast out of a friendship circle. It’s likely every child will be on the receiving end of relational aggression sometimes, so we can help our kids by showing them how to spot it, name it and draw protective boundaries around themselves.

How do you spot relational aggression? These are the most common tactics: ∞ Alliance building against a target eg name-calling, labelling and humiliation; ∞ Back-turning, silent treatment and ignoring; ∞ Exclusion (e.g. ‘You can’t sit here’) and forming exclusive cliques; ∞ Sighing/eye-rolling/tutting; ∞ Threats or pressure (e.g. ‘If you don’t do this, I won’t be your friend’). ∞ Making out that if someone objects, they are being ‘oversensitive’ or weak. familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

When to get the school involved? All kids will say mean things to each other and that includes your child. However, relational aggression crosses the line if it’s repeated, intentional and one child is more socially powerful or intimidating than another. If two children are evenly matched, it’s preferable to give your child an awareness of what’s going and the tactics to fight back - as this is an important lesson in developing social skills and learning how to stand up for themselves.

Tanith Carey is author of The Friendship Maze: How to Help Your Child Navigate Their Way to Positive and Happier Friendships, published by Summersdale, price £10.99 and available from Amazon and all good book stores.

How to help your child deal with relationship bullying Help them understand friendship dynamics: relational aggression is most common when one child in a group wants to force out another or raise their own status. Help your child understand these common power-plays, how not to take them personally and how to move on to other friendship groups, if necessary. Explain relational aggression – and the roles of aggressors, targets and by-standers - those who watch and say nothing. Your child will then be better equipped to name the behaviour, spot patterns and call it out. Show them how to question it: it's important that your child communicates that they will not be a victim. When an instigator says something unkind, show your child how to challenge them immediately with questions like: ‘Can you repeat that?’ or ‘What do you mean?’ If the other child has a clear conscience, they won’t mind answering the question. If not, they will think twice about repeating it and your child will have made it plain they understand what is happening and will stand up to it. November/ Families Suffolk:December Issue 56 7 7

Ipswich Borough Council are committed to keeping a lid on plastic pollution, you can help with some small day-to-day changes to make a big difference. USE A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE. One reusable bottle can replace

HHH H U N HH DH R E D S H2O

of single-use bottles. Visit refill.org.uk to find water refill stations near you.

DONâ€™T USE STRAWS unless you need to, or use paper or reusable straws instead.

USE YOUR OWN REUSABLE CUTLERY or sustainable alternatives when on the go.

USE A REUSABLE HOT DRINKS CUP when you visit your local coffee shop. Many coffee shops even offer a discounted price when you use one!

USE REUSABLE CONTAINERS for food leftovers at home.

CHOOSE CANNED OR GLASS BOTTLED BEVERAGES and products over plastic bottled ones.

USE REUSABLE FABRIC NAPKINS

instead of paper ones, which are often wrapped in plastic.

USE FEWER CHEMICALS FOR HOUSEHOLD CLEANING. White vinegar, lemon and baking soda can be used for all sorts of cleaning jobs.

TAKE REUSABLE BAGS when shopping.

Buy fruit and vegetables WITHOUT PLASTIC WRAPPERS.

REFUSE single-use condiment sachets.

USE MATCHES

instead of disposable

plastic lighters or invest in a refillable metal lighter. SWAP liquid soaps for solid bars.

Why stop at plastic? Visit our website for more ways to recycle: www.ipswich.gov.uk/recycling

8 November/December

Families Suffolk: Issue 56

familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas

FIRE SAFETY ADVICE Many of the things we enjoy over the Christmas period, such as fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken. FOLLOW THESE 10 CHRISTMAS FIRE SAFETY TIPS TO MAKE SURE YOU'RE SAFE THIS CHRISTMAS.

. 2 . 3 . 4 . 4 5 . 1

Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Never place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch light easily. Test your smoke alarms monthly and only remove batteries when replacing them. Most fires start in the kitchen. Avoid leaving a cooker unattended. Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol.

. 7 . 8 . 9 . 10 . 6

Decorations can burn easily – so don’t attach them to lights or heaters. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach. Never leave burning candles unattended. Never overload electrical sockets. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed. Store fireworks safely. Never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby. Make sure cigarettes are put out properly.

SUFFOLK FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 9 Families Suffolk: Issue 56

The flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce harm from flu. It reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and even death among those who are most at risk.

The flu jab is free for those most at risk. If you or your child are eligible for the flu vaccine, make sure you claim it – it’s free because you need it.

If you fall into one of the following categories you may be eligible for a free flu vaccination: • All pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy (including those women who become pregnant during the flu season).

Children spread flu easily. Vaccinating children also protects others who are vulnerable to flu, such as grandparents or those with long term health conditions. If your child is aged 2 or 3, you will be contacted by your local GP or Pharmacy and invited to claim their free flu vaccine. If your child is school aged, you will be invited to take up the free flu vaccine through your school’s immunisation programme. For more information about children's flu vaccine please visit: www.nhs.uk/child-flu.

• All children aged two and three years old on 31 August 2020 (date of birth on or after 01/09/16 to 31/08/18). • All primary school aged children (those in reception class and school years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6). • All year 7 pupils in secondary school.

If you are pregnant, you can get the free flu vaccine from your GP, or it may also be available from your pharmacist or midwife.

For more information, visit: www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/projects/flu-vaccination 10 November/December

Families Suffolk: Issue 56

familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE Routine vaccinations for babies, pre-school children and adults are continuing as normal. Changes have been made to make sure it's safe for your child to have the flu vaccine at GP surgeries or at school. These changes include social distancing, hand washing and wearing protective equipment. It's important to go to your appointments unless you, your child or someone you live with has symptoms of coronavirus. The flu vaccine won’t protect you against COVID-19. But it will help protect you against flu. Helping to protect against flu is particularly important with COVID-19 in circulation because people vulnerable to COVID-19 are also at risk of complications from flu.

Safer Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for babies and it’s also important that your baby is sleeping in a safe environment. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS - Often referred to as Cot Death) accounts for 300 infant deaths each year in the UK. Each of these deaths is a tragic, unexpected loss for a family and the cause or explanation is often unclear.

Follow these six simple steps to keep your baby safe...

For more information, visit: www.healthysuffolk. org.uk/advice-services/children/safer-sleep familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 11 Families Suffolk: Issue 56

FIT with Sam B Sam Bull, fully certified Fitness Instructor tells us all about her new child friendly Bootcamps...

Just because it's called Cardio and Abs, it doesn't mean that we don't work on other main muscle groups. There is just less resistance work and more of a cardio focus. Total body evening sessions are the same as the morning sessions. All sessions have optional progression or regression exercises so you can work at your own pace & are suitable for all fitness levels.

As a busy Mum I totally understand the difficulty in finding the time to concentrate on yourself and this is one of the reasons why I created FIT with Sam B. Following a year long battle with Post Natal Depression, I learnt the importance of exercise and the effects it has on our bodies - both mentally and physically. I want to help families in the same way that other Personal Trainers helped me. I run a mixture of Bootcamps based in Long Melford focused on men and women’s health. My morning sessions are aimed at parents as I provide a space to workout in an environment which welcomes children also. It is an opportunity for parents to meet other like minded individuals whilst spending an hour on themselves without the worries of childcare. TOTAL BODY FIT morning sessions are a total body workout to improve cardio vascular fitness alongside muscular strength & endurance. A mixed session, involving high intensity interval training, circuits and resistance work. My evening classes are run in the same way for adults only. CARDIO & ABS FIT and TOTAL BODY FIT. Cardio & Abs consist of high intensity routines to get your body moving and improve your cardio vascular fitness. Followed by an abs and core finisher to strengthen, tone and improve balance and stability.

www.facebook.com/fitwithsamb

babyballet® The babyballet preschool where little boys and girls love to dance

The award winning movement to music, dance and singing programme for boys and girls from 6 months upwards run within a fun, safe and caring environment.

babyballet® Tots 6 - 18mths babyballet® Tinies 18mths - 3yrs babyballet® Movers 3 - 4yrs babyballet® Groovers 4 - 6yrs babyballet® Tappers 3yrs + Exciting classes available in

Sudbury, Bury St Edmunds & Ipswich Contact Miss Abigail on

07580 693 747 sudbury@babyballet.co.uk babyballet Sudbury @bbSudbury

Best Baby/Toddler Class

2013

2014

lovedbyparents.com

12 November/December

Families Suffolk: Issue 56

dance programme offers four stages of ballet classes, for young children aged 6 months to 6 years, plus a tap dancing class for children over 3 years. The Suffolk team of babyballet dance teachers now teach over 250 babyballet stars each week, and strive to create a fun, friendly and inclusive experience for everyone – no matter what your child’s age or ability. Sadly due to the current lock down restrictions the classes have been suspended, but as soon as they are back up and running you can book a three-week introductory trial for just £15. The trial is the perfect introduction to babyballet, giving you and your child the chance to try out the ballet and tap classes before signing up to a full term. The babyballet trial can start at anytime during a term and upon completion of your trial, you will be invoiced for the remaining sessions. You can follow babyballet on facebook for updates on when classes will be starting again. Or visit the website to find out more: www.babyballet.co.uk/babyballet-school/sudburybury-st-edmunds-ipswich-west. familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Winter at the If like many others you are working from home during this period and are wondering how you are going to keep off the extra weight during the darker months, fear not! The Museum of East Anglian Life has you covered with its Home Workersâ€™ Exercise Challenge. This challenge consists of an exercise circuit for beginners (a jogging route with some challenges) which will be open from 12-2pm, Monday-Friday.

While the Museum of East Anglian Life is to remain closed until 2nd December, there are still a number of ways you can get involved with the museum over the winter period. MEAL will be offering Silver and Gold Members access to the site for exercise during normal hours, using their membership cards. Not got a membership card? Visit the website at: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk for further details on how to become a member.

Please note that the number of people participating in this challenge at once will be limited in line with current social distancing guidelines. MEAL will also be opening up the parkland free for local families to use at the weekends between 10am - 4pm. Visitors can expect to access the scavenger trail for free and will now be able to access and download the trail online. So, if youâ€™re looking for fun ways to keep healthy and stay active, visit the Museum of East Anglian Life this winter.

familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 13

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Suffolk: Issue 56

Season m TIS THE

¬ ¬ JOLLY … ¬¬ TO BE

Christmas Meat Feast 12lb Suffolk Free Range Turkey or 4.5lb Rolled Sirloin

Plus... 3lb Beef Brisket or 3lb Loin of Pork

…

3lb Smoked Gammon, 16 Chipolatas 8 Traditional Pork Sausages 1lb Streaky Bacon and 1lb Sausage Meat.

All for Just £130.00

To Order... Call: 01473 810119 Visit: 101 High Street, Hadleigh

14 November/December

Families Suffolk: Issue 56

familiesonline.co.uk

000000

familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 15 Families Suffolk: Issue 56

build yo own dol ur l house s

ke a f e Mak ssils fo

make edible dinosa u poo r

e r a e r the ideas lots oft stuck to gento i

There are lots of family activities to try at home on our website Visit www.cimuseums.org.uk/museumfromhome to discover fun things to do Explore #MuseumFromHome with Ipswich Museums

IPSWICH

MUSEUMS

16 November/December

Families Suffolk: Issue 56

Colchester + Ipswich Museums familiesonline.co.uk @IpswichMuseums familiesonline.co.uk

Magazine

Digital Supplement T&Cs apply

November/December 2020

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Familiesonline.co.uk November/ December 17

Toy Giveaway! Vroom Vroom Plate

Conversation Cards

Sword & Shield Sets

Micro Scooter

Knitted Diplodocuses

Driving Experience

Space Magnetic Pack

Mermaid Tails

Robo Wunderkind

Animal Wall Prints

German Attack Games

See Gift Guide for details

18 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

In This Issue

Welcome

Education

Seasonal Acts of Kindness

It’s not long until Christmas, and, whilst it will feel different to usual, there will still be plenty to organise.

10 Christmas Gift Guide 11

So we’ve got every angle covered – gifts, cooking, decoration and cardmaking, ideas for a cheaper and more eco-friendly season, opportunities for giving to others – right through to the best family films and ideas for Christmas Eve traditions. So save our link and keep it handy!

Great Families® Toy Giveaway

13 Christmas (part 1) 16 Early Years 18 Family Life 21 Christmas (part 2)

Get in touch Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

Marking our 30 year anniversary, we are also delighted to bring you the Great Families® Toy Giveaway – check out the opportunity to win toys from our Gift Guide. Wishing you a Merry Christmas from everybody at Families® Magazine.

Families Magazine turns 30!

To celebrate, we have FREEBIES for YOU! -In

The Grrreat Colour Reward Chart STEP 1

STEP 3

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Tell your child when to Fill in daily Explain behaviour rewards your colour in the animals! targets child will receive

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for a day at a WIN Family Tickets Park of your choice! UK Zoo or Wildlife children. two adults and two Tickets are valid for

info@familiesmagazine.co.uk completed chart to an image of your child’s you or your child explaining How to Enter: Email up to 50 words from 2020 to enter. age, your postcode and You have until 30 June with your child’s name, them achieve their targets. how the chart has helped

IN THIS ISSUE

Easter activities & What’s Ons for * Win chocolates Mother’s Day & family day out tickets * Play café guide * School open days * Reader offers

2020 Issue 10 March/April

estkent.co.uk email: editor@familiesw

familiesonline.co.uk

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Magazine November/ December 19

EDUCATION

Choosing a Tutor for your Child

Primary School League Tables Explained

By Kate Hilpern

By Annabel Gray

In the past, parents might employ a tutor, discreetly, to help their child keep up at school. Now tutoring is higher profile and focuses on making students more academically competitive – getting ahead, not just keeping up. So if your child needs a tutor, how do you choose one? READ MORE

There are many factors to consider when choosing a school for your child – often including how well the school is performing. A useful tool to reference is the school annual league tables. Unfortunately though, these can sometimes seem a little complicated. READ MORE

Improving your Child’s Working Memory

Why Children Should Write Creatively

Children use working memory all the time: to remember what they read in the previous paragraph of a book, when doing mental maths and to follow directions with lots of steps. The good news is that, if your child’s working memory seems poor, it can be improved with practice. READ MORE

Every day children experience events that are new to them as well as adding new words to their vocabulary. These new experiences help them to develop a curious mind and can trigger ideas which then develop into stories or creative writing. So what benefits does this have? READ MORE

20 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Anti-Bullying Week 16-20 November

Protecting your Child from Cyberbullying

Should you Defer your Child’s School Start?

By Shelley Goffe-Caldeira

By Claire Winter

It’s been reported that 82% of parents said that their children’s screen time increased during lockdown, with some having an extra four hours or more of non-school related screen time per day. Given this increase, there is no question that cases of bullying will have increased. READ MORE

Are summer-born children disadvantaged? If so, should you consider deferring your child’s school start if they are summerborn? This topic has been hotly debated for years. Certainly, there are pros and cons, but generally no one-size-fits-all solution. READ MORE

Recognising a Subtle Type of Bullying

By Tanith Carey Imagine this. Annabel spots classmate, Lisa, whispering to her best friend, Eve. Later, Eve informs Annabel that she only wants to play with Lisa today – and the two girls don’t save Annabel a seat at lunch. Tearful and confused, Annabel wonders what she has done wrong…. READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 21

CHRISTMAS

Crafty Christmas Gifts for Teachers Make a homemade gift to say thank you to your teacher for their support this year.

Make a Pebble Teacher Paper Weight

Decorate a Plant Pot

Make a Jar of Chocolate Brownie Mix

Bake Flowerpot Bread

Knit an Apple

Make a DIY Pencil Holder

Put Together a Tea Wreath

Create a Cactus Pet Rock

Make Hot Chocolate Stirrers

22 November/December

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November/ December 23

CHRISTMAS

Seasonal Acts of Kindness

It’s a tough time for everybody, so here are some different ways to support those in need.

Centrepoint More Than a Christmas Dinner

NSPCC Letter from Santa

#FoodBankAdvent Reverse Calendar

RSPCA Christmas Appeal

Action for Children: Be a Secret Santa

BookTrust Give a Festive Book Parcel

Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day

Age UK Say Hello to an Older Neighbour

Wear a Christmas Hat Day Support this vital research on 18 December for Brain Tumour Research.

Donate when you order Help a homeless young a letter from Santa for your child. person this Christmas.

Help rescue an Support your local food bank. Collect a Reverse abandoned/neglected animal. Advent Calendar.

Help a vulnerable child have a happier Christmas.

Brighten a vulnerable Ideas for supporting an child’s Christmas with a Get your silliest jumper older neighbour with special gift book parcel. small acts of kindness. out on 11 December and donate £2. 24 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Seasonal Acts of Kindness

You may want to consider how you can be especially kind to those closer to you too.

Acts of Kindness to Family at Home

Community Acts of Kindness

Exchange hugs often. Affection makes everyone happier and healthier. Happy Hour. Spend time telling jokes, funny stories and smiling at each other! Do a chore without being asked. Help out in the kitchen even if it’s not your job/turn. Leave a loving note for another family member. Compliment each other. Say thank you – every time!

Make a Reverse Advent Calendar. Choose something to donate each day and drop all the items to a local charity in time for Christmas. Give blood. Make “thank you” window posters for key workers. Donate to an animal shelter blankets/treats/toys. Let someone go ahead of you in a queue. Pick up litter. Volunteer with a charity.

Acts of Kindness to Friends/Neighbours Sing Christmas carols outside someone’s house – remember to socially distance! Give a Christmas plant to someone who doesn’t get outside much. Call a friend you haven’t seen for a long time. Text someone and wish them well. Send an elderly neighbour a Christmas card. Give a book that has inspired you. Do some shopping for a neighbour/friend who needs help. familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 25

CHRISTMAS

The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!

Wooden Shield/ Sword Set

Perfectly designed for little hands and big adventures. Ages 4+. £15.

PomPom Climbing Triangle

Munchy Play Plate

Fun dining as little ones whizz toy cars/trains around meals. Ages 6mths+. £14.50.

Space Magnetic Pack

An affordable Christmas gift with an intergalactic theme. Ages 5+. £25.

First-of-its-kind climbing triangle which can be folded away at night. Ages 3+. £325.

Young Driver Drive-tastic

Get behind the wheel for a memorable driving experience! Ages 5+ £32.99.

Christmas Cracker Puzzles

Best Years Dino Love

Together Equal Conversation Cards

Gruffalo Micro Scooter

Bright, knitted diplodocus dinosaur – sturdy but soft too! Age 0+. £14.99. 26 November/December

Great stocking filler. Thought-provoking conversation starters. Ages 7+. £7.99.

Premium wooden puzzles in cracker packaging. Ages 3-8. £9.95.

Exclusive for 2020. Range of prints and colours. Ages 1-5. From £95.95. familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!

Horrible Science Germ Attack

Planet Mermaid Tails

Smart Counting Football

Junko Zoomer Kits

Follow Me Ball

Penguins On Ice

Robo Wunderkind

Engenius Contraptions Marble Run

Animal Wall Prints

Imagination-stimulating Beautifully designed board game with a and created mermaid topical subject! Ages tails. 100% swimmable! 8+. £19.99. Ages 3+. From £33.99.

Counts up to 100 keepy-uppies with lights and sounds. Ages 6+. £20.

Make junk into working A colour changing Unique, award-winning toys using problemmotorised ball for baby puzzle game with solving skills. Ages to follow. Ages: 6mths+ multi-level challenges. 6-10. From £9.99. £16.99. Ages 6+ £19.99.

Award-winning robotics kits that teach coding through the joy of play. Ages 4-10. From £199. familiesonline.co.uk

Wooden perpetual motion marble run. Ages 10+. £28.99.

Bespoke, personalised animal wall or shelf prints. Ages 0+. From £10. November/ December 27

CHRISTMAS

The Great Families® Toy Giveaway! WIN! 1 of 3

Mermaid Tails from Planet Mermaid

WIN!

WIN! 1 of 3

Gruffalo Micro Scooter from Micro Scooter

Germ Attack Game from Horrible Science

Select 3 in 1 (12mths5yrs) or Mini (2-5 yrs).

WIN!

WIN! 1 of 2

WIN! 1 of 5

Sword & Shield Sets from Green Owl Toys

Conversation Cards from Together Equal

WIN! 1 of 2

Child’s Animal Print from Lauren May Illustrates

Knitted Diplodocus from Best Years

Vroom Vroom Plate from Munchy Play

WIN!

1 of 2 Young Driver Driving Experience (10-17yrs)

Space Magnetic Set from Time Flies for Kids WIN!

Explorer Lite from Robo Wunderkind

Good Luck!

ENTER HERE

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28 November/December

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CHRISTMAS

Are You Dreaming of Green Christmas? Here are some of our ideas for an eco-friendly Christmas.

Buy a Living Christmas Tree

Keep it outside and bring in every year.

Free Christmas Gift Cheques

Avoid unnecessary gift giving and waste. Pledge to do something instead.

Buy Reusable Crackers

Fill with your own special gifts and surprises. familiesonline.co.uk

Invest in a Reusable Advent Calendar Fill with your own treats each year.

Dedicate a Tree

Give a gift that keeps on growing.

Use Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper

Make sure it is recyclable and, if possible, made from recycled paper.

Introduce Some Vegan Food

Reduce your carbon footprint by trying some vegan food.

Charity Christmas E-cards

Help a charity at same time as helping the planet.

Switch to LED Christmas Lights

Use up to 80% less energy than standard lights. November/ December 29

CHRISTMAS

DIY Christmas Cards Kids love to make or colour their own and they are so much more special than bought cards!

Surprise Christmas Cracker Card

Tinsel Tree Card

Sesame Street Christmas Card

Hand-Stitched Christmas Cards

Confetti Christmas Card

Layered Christmas Tree Card

Snow Surprise Christmas Card

Reindeer Christmas Card

Fingerprint Light Cards

30 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Christmas Eve Traditions

Mix and match ideas for different parts of the day and create family traditions that your children will treasure.

Morning

Afternoon

Posh breakfast. Enjoy pancakes and bacon using festive plates and cups. Feed the birds. Hang edible treats or a feeder so the birds can have Christmas dinner! Make reindeer food. Mix edible glitter and oats to sprinkle outside for Rudolph and friends. Write a thank you letter to Santa. Encourage your kids to leave thank you notes for Santa. Create a Santa sack for others. Get your children to select unwanted toys for Santa to pick up and take to other children.

Bake something Christmassy. Gingerbread, shortbread, cookies or a cake. Exercise. A family walk or cycle will help your children settle to sleep on the big night. Set up a treasure hunt. Leave clues around the house for kids to find a special Christmas Eve present like a tree decoration. Family photoshoot. Take a family selfie. Compare with Christmas photos from previous years. Play a game. Introduce a new card game or play a board game.

Evening Snuggle up and watch a film, read a Christmas story or watch a panto. Leave food out for Santa. Don’t forget a carrot for Rudolph! Enjoy virtual Christmas carols. This year many organisations will be having carolling events online. Go on a family Christmas light walk. Get some fresh air and check out the neighbourhood Christmas lights. Carol singing. Wrap up warm and treat neighbours and friends to your angelic voices – at a safe distance! Hang up the stockings. Remember the most important tradition of all (as if you’d forget)! familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 31

EARLY YEARS

Best Sing-Alongs for Learning Songs can help children learn and remember. Check out these great singalongs for under 5s.

Days of the Week Song

Counting to Ten in Four Languages Thereâ€™s English, German, Portuguese and Indonesian.

Great for co-ordination and includes signing.

Shapes Song

Shape up with The Hippie Hippie Shapes in the CBeebies house.

Alphabet Song

Bring the alphabet to life with this memorable song and movement routine.

Months of the Year

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

12 Days of Christmas

So Many Colours to See

Learn the days of the week with Buzz the Bandleader.

Teaches co-ordination and body parts.

32 November/December

Sing and count with this popular Christmas song.

The Wheels on the Bus

Learn the months by singing along with Marvie from Sesame Street.

Learn about colours with The Wiggles.

familiesonline.co.uk

EARLY YEARS

The Importance of Toddler Play By Dr Sarah Mundy

Play is an enjoyable part of childhood, and an important one for the developing brain. Through play, children develop physically, emotionally, cognitively and creatively. It allows them to engage in the world in a way that feels safe, explore different roles, address fears, and develop confidence. Children who have parents who actively play with them, learn about sharing, problem solving and decision-making more quickly than those who don’t. Playing with your child also helps you understand their world and shows them you are interested in them, both important aspects of a secure attachment relationship, which is seen as the cornerstone of a child’s development. So playing with our children is very important, even though prioritising this can be difficult. But how do we initiate play? And what do we do? READ MORE

Unlock Your Child’s Inner Superpowers

Children’s charity Barnardo’s has launched the Super Seekers activity packs for children aimed at helping to develop life skills such as kindness, creativity and resilience. The packs are designed to help children ages 3 to 5 years develop important life skills through fun and imaginative play. FIND PACKS familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 33

FAMILY LIFE

Storytelling Ideas for Parents By Becky Cranham www.planbee.com

Voice and Intonation Your tone of voice is crucial in engaging your children and helping them understand the story. Convey emotions by: Slowing or quickening your voice Changing the volume of your voice Making your voice higher/lower Use different voices for different characters.

Questions

Asking your child questions about what is happening and how they feel about it can help keep them engaged and following the plot.

Repeated Phrases Help Kids Join In

Think, the Three Little Pigs - “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down!” Try books like Not Now, Bernard Green Eggs and Ham We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Use Story Tools

Tired brain? Use tools like Roll and Write Story Ideas Generator to come up with basic plots.

Build on Familiar Stories…

Use Wordless Picture Books

…and change the setting, characters or details. Turn Snow White into a cat who runs away from the evil cat queen and lives with a group of seven friendly squirrels!

Describe the setting, characters, and what they say. Encourage your children to join in. Do they agree with your version? Can they make up their own? Try: Flotsam Flora and the Flamingo The Snowman Owl Bat Bat Owl Clown Mirror Journey Once Upon a Snowstorm

Or add your child as a character in stories like The Little Mermaid or modern classics like Bob the Builder.

Draw on Life Experiences You may, of course, embellish/ leave out certain details! Tell your children funny stories about when they were younger. 34 November/December

Tell Stories Anytime, Anywhere…. …not just at bedtime!

familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

How to Have a Thrifty Christmas

How Many Toys Does a Child Need?

The pandemic, lockdown, a slowdown in the economy, and job losses have affected many people’s finances across the UK, meaning less money to spend on Christmas. So here are some great festive money-saving tips from our Families® experts, to help you enjoy Christmas without breaking the bank. READ MORE

Toys have a way of taking over. Before you know it, you are knee-deep in discarded Lego and naked Barbie dolls. The children are bored, the house is a mess and no one is happy. Most families have too many toys and more toys actually equals less play. Why is this? READ MORE

Christmas if You’re Separated

By Rebecca Giraud and Bob Greig

All separated parents have a puzzle to solve at Christmas. How are you going to create a Christmas that is affordable, achievable, pleases the kids and works for your child’s other parent? None of this is easy… READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 35

FAMILY LIFE

WIN International Elf Service Elfie’s Christmas Advent Letters Story Bundle!

T&Cs apply

ENTER HERE BY 24 NOVEMBER This is your chance to win 25 Personalised Christmas Elf Letters from the North Pole, worth £38.50. Hide these hand-crafted, ecofriendly letters around your home for your children to find each day in December and discover what the Elves are up to in the North Pole! The winner will also receive a letter from Father Christmas. Runners up will receive one of 5 sets of 7 Personalised Christmas Elf Letter NEWS or ACTIVITY Bundles. 20% off when you order HERE using FAMILYMAGIC20 at checkout.

Top Self-Care Tips for Working Parents

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a huge test of parents’ resilience and adaptability. So how can you last the distance? Mental well-being is crucial for the long haul - and because your mental health effects that of your children. Our friends at Working Mums have 8 top tips for looking after yourself if you’re a working parent. READ MORE 36 November/December

Letter from Santa

What could be more special than a letter in the post from Santa? Children can receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail if they post their letter to him by 11 December. Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. Letters must include your child’s full name and address. Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation. Order online by 9 December. familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Christmas Decorations to Make with the Kids

Tree House Decoration

Paper Plate Christmas Tree Twirler

DIY Wrapping Paper

Snowman Lantern

Paper Angel Garlands

Pine Cone Mouse

Paper Ball Reindeer

3D Christmas Tree

Paper Plate Santa

familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 37

CHRISTMAS

Christmas Cooking with the Kids Get the whole family busy in the kitchen with these exciting seasonal recipe ideas.

Mini Gingerbread Houses

Christmas Yoghurt Bark Slices

Rudolph Shortbread

Rudolph Pancakes

Santa Brownie Hats

Sweet Snowballs

Christmas Pudding Rice Krispie Cakes

Melted Snowmen Cookies

Kidâ€™s Christmas Trifles

38 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk

CHRSITMAS

Best Family Christmas Movies Snuggle up on the sofa with your family and some Quality Street or mince pies to watch a classic Christmas movie!

Home Alone

Elf

The Holiday

An 8 year old boy protects his house from burglars when he is left home alone.

A man-sized Elf (Will Ferrell) wreaks havoc on the elf community.

Cheesy rom-com. Kate Winslett/Cameron Diaz find romance on a home swap.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

It’s a Wonderful Life

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Love Actually

Miracle on 34th Street

Jim Carrey is the perfect Grinch in this memorable festive flick.

Great British actors, a brilliant soundtrack, a festive classic that can be watched every year! familiesonline.co.uk

Beautiful black and white classic for the whole family.

A Christmas remake that’s as charming as the 1947 original.

Loveable remake of Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, with Michael Caine.

Nativity

Fondly remember the chaotic nativity plays you’ve all endured/ enjoyed! November/ December 39