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January/February 2022
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Familiesonline.co.uk January/February 1
Calling parents living in South East London! Would you like to try your hand at magazine publishing? Do you like writing, editing and researching family activities? Are you interested in media and marketing?
Come join the team at Families South East London magazine!
Work part time from home around your family and do something you love.
To find out more contact Linda at info@familiesmagazine.co.uk or call 020 8241 0423
Magazine 2
Families South East • January / February 2022
To advertise please call 07980 556813
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This January Playball London are giving every child the opportunity to try each of their programmes for 3 weeks absolutely free of charge. And not just the 3 new programmes, All the programmes that Playball London offer. If you have not tried Playball before, all you have to do is create an account on our website www.PlayballLondon.com book your class and come down for the first 3 weeks of term free of charge, before you decide if it’s the right fit for you and your child.
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Happiness is…..a happy child! Receive a FREE Mental Health Activity Pack from Storytime for your child*
HAPPINESS i s ACTIVITY PAC ... K!
One of the big gest challen teachers and ges faced by carers is hel parents, and deal wit ping childre h their feeling n to talk abo ut s. That is wh activity pac y we create k! We recom d this me nd that you then share the read it first, ideas and act and ivities in it wit h your kids.
Be cool. Be kind. Be you!
Inside this pack:
Recognising Emoti ons ............................. 2 Feelings Are Like Rainb ows ................... 4 Resilience Tool Box .................................. 5 Fun with Framing! ..................................... 6 Gratefulness Diary .................................... 7 The Pancake of Mistak es ........................ 8 Get Active with Emoti ons! ....................... 9 Talking About Feelin gs ........................... 10 30 Things You Can Do to Feel Good! ... 11 Awesome You! ........... ............................... 13 Your Jar of Happiness ............................. 14 How to Use This Pack.. . for Grown-Ups! ........... ............................... 15
On page 17-20, there is a special section about how you can help your kids build resilience and get comfortable with their emotions!
© www.stor
With
ytimemagazi
ne.com 2021
14 pages of fun activities
Read first and then share with your child….
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EDUCATION
Ground, Grass and Sky Handwriting Guide
Help your child practise their handwriting and learn to make their letters the correct size with this activity from PlanBee. Download the instructions and practice sheets to get started.
Handwriting practice sheets Use the example on the previous page to show your child how each letter should look in relation to the ground, the grass and the sky. Get your child to write the letters of the alphabet using the dots below.
Handwriting practice sheets Use these sheets for your child to practise their handwriting and learn to make their letters the correct size. Below you can see an example of how each letter should look in relation to the ground, the grass and the sky.
Handwriting practice sheets Once your child has joined the dotted letters on the previous sheet, let them have a go at writing their own on the ground, grass and sky lines below. Give them the example letters on the first sheet to help.
Using this example as a guide, get your child to trace the dotted letters on the next sheet and then move on to writing the letters themselves on the final sheet.
DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE!
4 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
WHY DOES THIS PROGRAME GET RESULTS?
. This course is effective in as few as 6 weeks and establishes a HABIT. So eliminate your fear and sort out your core this New Year!
In short those ‘squeeze and lift’ exercises also known as Kegels, simply aren’t the end story when it
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With the world beginning to open up again and more international students travelling to the UK for their education, College Guardians are looking for families to host students for the short holidays and occasional weekends. Families with children of their own, those with “empty nest syndrome” or grandparents to name a few, all benefit from hosting international students. From a cultural or language perspective, offering a caring home to a students will Could you host a student for short certainly to enhance Book help a club visit ortheir taster swim with ourholidays compliments and occasional learning experience and life in the See our website for terms & conditions and weekends? UK. details of appropriate safety protocols in place The experience that a child has Watch Jen’s Story on when stayingHALF with a host can bring JOINING PRICE FEE www.collegeguardians.co.uk then lifelong friendships. From learning register for this wonderful IN JANUARY to adapt to life in the beautiful experience. SAVE £50! English countryside, to life in a large busy city, from learning to Do not hesitate to get in touch with look forward to welcoming you soon! bake bread to We sharing with your College Guardians to find out more— host how to cook the best they can ask one of their current @dcsportsclub.dulwich noodles!/DulwichCollegeSportsClub There really is something hosts to share their experience of hosting with you. for everyone. Quote code: HPJF-FM2201 dcsportsclub.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
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9am every Saturday and Sunday £10pp (1hr) • SENDS: Tuesday 4pm (quiet session, with limited lighting and no music), 5pm (with lights and music). £12.50pp, carers go free.
(book in advance). Available adult/junior sessions with pro free runner: 10 wk course. wandsworth@flipout.co.uk Flip Out Wandsworth, Bendon Valley, SW18 4LZ
Villa Radicata Your perfect Tuscan Family holiday Home immersed in nature
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• Stunning lake and mountain views • 5 bedrooms /4 bathrooms • Private fenced pool, garden and forest • Outside pizza oven and outside dining area • Self catering breaks or Activity breaks available • Plenty of games, jungle gym and table football on site • Babysitting and cook available on request • Wine tasting, cooking lessons, yoga, massages, Italian lessons can be booked • First night dinner included on arrival. Contact Rita: Whatsapp 07983821282 | Ritakobrak1@aol.com www.holiday-villa-in-tuscany.com Instagram @tuscanfamilyholidays
January/February 2022 • Families South West 7
135 years of empowering the next generation to forge their own path. Visit us to discover more. Book online at www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net admissions@syd.gdst.net | 020 8557 7004 Prep, Senior & Sixth: 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL @sydenhamhigh
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5
EDUCATION
Show your child how to hold a pencil Watch video!
Developing handwriting skills
By Catherine Lynch
More activities near you... IT’s FREE
The three main skills in learning to write are the physical ability to make marks on paper, knowing that print conveys meaning and knowing what to write. Before children start making marks on paper and learning to write, they need to strengthen their gross and fine motor skills. But how? READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk
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January/February 2022
What’s Ons & Days Out Guide to play centres Beat the January Blues email: editor@familieswe
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January/February 5
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Senior School Destinations
Dulwich Prep London provides an outstanding Values-led education.
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We offer a wide range of opportunities to nurture independent thinkers who go on to be thoughtful citizens of the world, equipped with a strong moral compass and the ability to adapt to our rapidly changing environment.
Musical Ensembles
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We have recently extended our purpose-built Pre-Prep. So, why not join us in Year 1?
Sports Played at Every Level
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7.00am - 7.30pm Contact our Admissions team on 020 8766 5525 or email admissions@dulwichpreplondon.org
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Independent Education with a Catholic Ethos for Girls 11-18
School bus routes including Clapham, Streatham, Beckenham and Norwood Junction Our Lady’s Close, London SE19 3FA
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Families South East • January / February 2022
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020 8674 7229
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thelaurelsschool.org.uk
To advertise please call 07980 556813
EDUCATION
New children’s books for 2022 Winter’s a great time of year to enjoy some fantastic children’s fiction. Here are our recommendations.
Also
by E B Goodale Ages: 4-7
Invented by Animals
by Christiane Dorion Ages: 7-12
Rita Wants a Ninja by Maire Zepf Ages: 3+
6 January/February
Little Horror
Crocodile Hungry
Big Wig
Atlas of Amazing Migrations
by Daniel Peak Ages: 8-12
by Jonathan Hillman Ages: 4-8
The Smeds and the Smoos Board Book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler Ages: 0-2
by Eija Sumner Ages: 3-7
by Matt Sewell Ages: 7-10
Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty Ages: 5-7
Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Is your child ready for SATs? By Jemma Zoe Smith SATs have been cancelled for the last two years but this year they’ll be going ahead. If you’re a parent of a child who will be sitting SATs this year or even next, you might be concerned about how the disruption to their education during the pandemic may affect their exam performance - a worry which is doubled for those If the situation is causing you stress, parents whose children are also it’s important not to transmit that sitting the 11+. to your child, whose performance won’t be improved by exam nerves. The good news is that if you’re addressing these concerns now, So what are the next steps? you’re doing so in good time. There’s plenty of opportunity for READ MORE your child to make up any gaps in their learning before the exams roll around. The first thing to do as a parent is not to worry too much! While your child’s schooling has been disrupted, so has that of all their peers. It’s likely results will be poorer across the board, which is reassuring if you’re considering a selective school for your child’s secondary education. What’s more, any teacher looking at your child’s exam results in the future will consider the extraordinary situation in which their studies took place.
Win a Gingersnap Balance Bike Ages worth 2 to 4 years £119! Perfect to get little adventurers started! APPLY HERE
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January/February 7
TWEEN
Why Aiyven and Kirsten are Happier Every Chapter Sisters Aiyven (12) and Kirsten (13) love writing stories and both published debut novels in 2020. Families talks to them to find out more. What made you start writing stories? Our parents read stories to us every night when we were young, which opened up whole new worlds to us. From around the age of 4 or 5, we were folding pieces of paper into cards and writing stories inside them - and just never stopped! What do you like best about writing stories? The best thing is how in a few hours, a new universe can sprout out of thin air. How many stories have you written? Many of our early stories were on laptops we don’t have any more but every month we write short stories for our book subscription box, Happier Every Chapter. Over time, we’ve written at least thirty stories each. That’s excluding our books. Do you make a plan for your stories? When we were younger, we often just typed whatever came to mind, which can result in an unusual plot and a storyline that doesn’t flow very well. Now, we plan Familiesonline.co.uk
the beginning, build-up, climax, resolution and ending. Once you have those five factors planned, it’s just a matter of connecting the dots. Interested in Aiyven and Kirsten’s advice on story-writing? READ MORE
FREE Mental Health Activity Pack from Storytime for your child* 14 pages of fun activities
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January/February 9
SPONSORED FEATURE
Mrs Linda Sanders
Headmistress The Laurels School
What inspired you to become a teacher and later, a Headteacher? From an early age, I loved teaching— my poor little brother was my guinea pig! I would set up a classroom and teach him all manner of wonderful things. Teaching is one of the most rewarding and humbling professions in the world. Every day I learn from my pupils—I currently teach A level Spanish and relish every moment of it. Children know when a teacher loves what they do and loves them. That is why authenticity is absolutely key to being a great teacher. I was drawn to becoming a Headteacher because it was the opportunity to found this great school and to drive its ethos—a vision of education which I believe is so needed for young girls today. I feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to serve because, as our school motto says, to serve is to be joyful and I think that is what I try to do every day.
How would the students describe you? I would hope that the students would describe me as approachable, open and fair. I know every single girl in the
school and, as they progress up the school they all know that one of my favourite words is to be ‘pro-active’. I love it when our pupils take the initiative and come up with solutions, ideas and new proposals. I have a class council breakfast with each form and it is a great moment to hear what they are thinking—I just had one with the Year 10s who have started a new club ‘Women and Activism’ which aims to find active practical ways of helping others. Many Sixth Formers mentor younger pupils and have set up a range of clubs and societies. They also are involved with the local primary school helping to run the netball club and tutoring children on reading and SAT testing preparation. This is what I love— and the girls know it too—that they are women of action!
What was it about the school that made you want to apply for the position? I was working in senior management in a school in Spain with the same ethos and I was approached by the governors to see if I would be interested in setting up a new secondary school for girls. Even though I was very happy in Spain and in my job, the opportunity to start a school with the same educational vision I had been involved in was just too exciting to miss. I could see how much difference it can make for girls’ self-worth and sense of self.
What I love about the school is its emphasis on the importance of cultivating the child from the inside out. What I mean by this is that we are as passionate about them learning about how to aspire to flourishing through the cultivation of character strengths (virtues) as we are about them achieving excellent academic results, which they do. As we all know, in the end, true satisfaction and reward come from the inner self as opposed to our ‘performance’ selves. Girls need to feel valued for who they are and not what they produce.
Netflix or Kindle? Neither! I just love a proper book—I am an inveterate reader and will always have between two or three books on the go. I am currently reading ‘The Coddling of the American Mind’ and ‘The Battle for Spain’ by Anthony Beevor.
What is something about yourself that no-one else knows? Some people may know but certainly not many—I am an identical twin! We have both certainly found ourselves in some amusing situations sometimes when there has been a case of mistaken identity. I might even ask her to come in and be me for the day and see if anyone realises.
Our Lady’s Close, Upper Norwood, London SE19 3FA https://thelaurelsschool.org.uk 10
Families South East • January / February 2022
To advertise please call 07980 556813
BEANO AT SOMERSET HOUSE
DINO SNORES AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
What’sOn IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING THIS MONTH... SEE SOME BUTTERFLIES FLUTTER BY! It may be winter outside, but you can still bring a sense of summer into your life by seeing real life butterflies in Forest Hill. The Horniman Museum’s specially-planted Butterfly House habitat is the perfect place to experience butterflies free-flying all around you and to discover amazing facts about the life-cycle and behaviour of these beautiful, fascinating creatures. Book first. www.horniman.ac.uk
JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2021 Compiled by Robina Cowan All details are as provided when going to press, however Santa’s elves do like a bit of mischief sometimes - best double-check before setting out.
THEATRE & SHOWS BLACKHEATH HALLS Lee Road SE3 9RQ www.blackheathhalls.com 15 January The Elves and the Shoemaker Inspired by the exquisite Ladybird Book, Theatre of Widdershins brings you another classic fable using magical puppets, intricate design, original music and the simplest of
dialogue. Ages 3+. 12 February The Bag That Went Boo! Join Garlic Theatre on a fantastical journey of paper bag proportions with their delightfully comical story of a little red bag. Ages 3-8. GREENWICH THEATRE Crooms Hill SE10 8ES www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk 23 January Variety Performance
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Climb aboard Cutty Sark Join the crew of Cutty Sark this half term and find out what life was really like on this world-famous ship. Royal Museums Greenwich Cutty Sark | National Maritime Museum | The Queen’s House | Royal Observatory Greenwich Pier Greenwich (only 8 mins from London Bridge) Cutty Sark
12
Families South East • January / February 2022
Under-4s go free
To advertise please call 07980 556813
The award-winning Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School for 4-18 year olds presents a Gala Variety Performance; highlighting the stars of tomorrow as well as the stars of today. The show includes a selection of show-stopping numbers from well-known musicals and productions directed by top industry professionals. SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE New Globe Walk SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com 12-19 February Telling Tales The Globe’s flagship family festival returns for February half term, filled with events and activities for families and young people, including workshops and interactive storytelling. SOUTHBANK Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 13 February FUNharmonics Hear the London Philharmonic Orchestra in full flight playing selections of their favourite pieces, introducing children to classical music, along with free foyer activities. Ages 6+ at the Royal Festival Hall. 9-20 February Imagine Children’s Festival The largest festival of its kind in the UK, Imagine Children’s Festival is dedicated to families experiencing and enjoying all kinds of art and culture together. Twelve days of jam-packed half term fun brings together authors, poets, artists, musicians and performers for readings, workshops and events for children and adults of all ages.
IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
photocredit, Nathan Gallagher
LIGHTOPIA, CRYSTAL PALACE
LIFE BETWEEN ISLANDS AT THE TATE
02 ARENA Peninsula Square SE10 0DX www.lolsurpriseliveontour.com 15-17 February L.O.L. Surprise See your favourite L.O.L. Surprise Dolls together, live on stage. Featuring outrageous choreography, elaborate Instagrammable sets, flawless costumes and brand-new music, the show is a concert come dance party that gets families on their feet.
SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com Until 30 January The Nutcracker With family-sized helpings of Bourne’s trademark wit and magical fantasy, it’s a treat for all. 28 January and 25 February Family Fridays Dance workshops for accompanied children, facilitated by a freelance lead and supporting artist and managed by the Learning & Engagement Department. Ages 2-4, all abilities.
BROMLEY CHURCHILL THEATRE High Street Bromley BR1 1HA www.churchilltheatre.co.uk 16 + 17 February Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice-creams to muddy puddles - there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more.
RUMBLE JUNGLE MUSICAL The Fortune Theatre, Russell St, London. junglerunble.show 14-20 February Created by the highly-regarded Perform children’s drama school, Jungle Rumble has thrilling choreography, uplifting songs and an inspirational message about working together to protect the Earth. It’s a brilliant way to introduce your child to the magic of live theatre. A perfect half-term day out for the whole family. From £15.
LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE Dagmar Passage N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com Until 23 January There May Be a Castle Mouse’s extraordinary quest through a world of wonder is a remarkable story about love, loss and the power of the imagination, from award-winning writer Piers Torday, and adapted into a musical puppetry production. Ages 7-11. Until 30 January The Storm Whale Benji Davies’ tender and heart-warming children’s stories of friendship, love and courage.
BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY Various venues www.byobcomedy.com A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy, where baby can come too and join in with the rumpus. Shows feature a new line up of comedians each month with two acts plus a compere. Ages: grownups plus under 12 months. 21 January in Woolwich.
Danny Clarke
Dame Sheila Hancock DBE
Caprice Bourret
Sarah Beeny
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MARCH 2022
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Families South East • January / February 2022
13
LOL SURPRISE AT THE O2
LPO FUNHARMONICS AT SOUTHBANK
LUNAR NEW YEAR AT GREENWICH MARITIME MUSEUM
BACH TO BABY Various venues www.bachtobaby.com Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for baby and you. Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like! Check the website for new local dates.
ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH Blackheath Avenue SE10 8XJ www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory Selected dates The Sky Tonight Presented by a Royal Observatory Astronomer, the live show takes visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky. See the stars, constellations, planets and moons, including a fly-out to the edge of the visible universe. Ages 7+. Selected dates Ted’s Space Adventure Explore the solar system with a bear named Ted, learning about the things we find there and how they affect us. Ages 3-7.
humans have had on the planet through what we grow and eat, from bees threatened by the loss of wildflower meadows to birds of prey poisoned by pesticides. NHM’s free display highlights some fantastic species, explains how our actions are affecting them, and what we can do to protect the natural world. Until 5 June Wildlife Photographer of the Year 100 powerful photographs tell the story of a planet under pressure. Gaze through the lens of some of the world’s best wildlife photographers and marvel at the beauty of our planet. 14 + 29 January and 26 February Dino Snores for Kids Spend a night among the museum’s incredible collections, exploring world class galleries after hours and sleeping beneath Hope, the breath-taking blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall. After setting up camp in one of the amazing galleries, there’s an evening of awesome learning activities before bedtime, and breakfast in the morning. Ages 7-11.
MUSEUMS HORNIMAN MUSEUM London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Until 19 June Hair: Untold Stories There is more to hair than washing, combing and cutting. It is an extraordinary fibre with a range of unexpected possibilities. Weaving in stories from Forest Hill hairdressers to the global hair trade, and featuring the work of artists, film makers, designers and members of the public, Hair: Untold Stories is intimate, surprising and wide-ranging. Sundays Horniman Market of local suppliers’ fresh food, eco-craft and bodycare products. 10am-3pm. NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritimemuseum 29 January Lunar New Year Festival Known as the Spring Festival in some places, the Lunar new year is celebrated in various communities across Asia, where this year many countries will observe the Year of the Tiger. The first event of the day will be a traditional Lion Dance which will start at 11am outside the Museum, parade around inside, then finish on the Great Map. Visit for a day of Mahjong game challenges, tea ceremonies, music performances and family workshops in fan and lantern making, Qigong, Tai Chi and more. Sundays Discover Sundays Each week a different artist takes families on a journey into the museum’s collection. Discover objects that introduce you to different people, histories and cultures. Join in with creative activities inspired by these objects before heading into the galleries to see what else you can find. All ages. 14
Families South East • January / February 2022
CUTTY SARK King William Walk SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Weekends and school holidays Cutty Sark Characters Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master, Nannie the ship’s figurehead, James Robson, the ship’s cook, and a 19th century dockworker, who all have special stories to tell. Ages 3+. 8-9 January Family Fun Weekend Enjoy Cutty Sark this January with actors, sea-shanty singers and activities for the whole family to join in with. BRUNEL MUSEUM Railway Avenue SE16 4LF www.thebrunelmuseum.com Sir Marc Isambard Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel changed the world with their inventive tunnels, bridges and viaducts, built during the Victorian reign. Housed in their Thames Tunnel Engine House, today the museum celebrates both engineering and performance in its Grade II* listed Tunnel Shaft. Open weekends. THE BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street WC1B 3GD www.britishmuseum.org 17 February - 17 July The World of Stonehenge For the very first time in a major exhibition in the UK, the story and secrets of Stonehenge will be brought into focus, revealing that prehistoric Britain was a place of big ideas, commerce and travel, rather than a shadowy land of mystery. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Until April Our Broken Planet: How We Got Here and Ways to Fix It Explore the extraordinary impact
MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS West India Quay E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ docklands Once upon a time, London was the hub of the world’s largest empire, and this museum tells its tales of trade, slavery, life through Victorian times and the wars, through to the present day. Admission free. Until 8 May 2022 London: Port City Unpack more than 200 years of extraordinary experiences and intense activity on a river whose continued importance in the 21st century may come as a surprise to the millions of people who live and work alongside it. The exhibition includes an interactive timeline, dockers’ accounts, artworks, gathered materials and even distinctive port scents. LIBRARY FUN Step out of the cold, meet other parents and carers and enjoy some FREE children’s activities in V22 and borough libraries across Lewisham: www.lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/ libraries Forest Hill Rhyme Time for under 5s, 10am Tuesdays, Children’s Origami, To advertise please call 07980 556813
PEPPER PIG’S BEST DAY EVER AT BROMLEY CHURCHILL
QUEEN’S HOUSE ICE RINK, GREENWICH
THE STORM WHALE AT LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE
selected Saturdays Crofton Park Baby Bounce songs and rhymes for under 2s, 11am term time Fridays Deptford Lounge Baby Bounce for under 2s, 2.15pm Wednesdays Downham Rhymes and Stories for under 5s, 10am Wednesdays, Baby Bounce 2pm Thursdays, Craft Club for 5-12s, 10.30am Saturdays Lewisham Baby Bounce for under 2s, 11.15am Tuesdays, Toddler Tales 11.15am Fridays, Craft Club for 5-7s, 2pm Saturdays New Cross Baby Bounce for under 3s, 11am Tuesdays and Saturdays, Code Club for 9-11s, 3.45 Thursdays and 11am Saturdays. Children’s Film Club 4pm Wednesdays Sydenham Children’s Writing Club for 5-11s, 4pm Tuesdays, Song and Rhyme for under 5s, 10.30am Tuesdays Torridon Road Singing with Hessie 10am Mondays, Storytime for under 5s, 9.30am Thursdays.
the medium. 30 January No Rules! Family Festival Get creative and explore the gallery’s Radical Beauty exhibition through workshops, storytelling and much more. Last Thursday of every month Mini Masterpieces Take your under 5 on a journey through the gallery to discover people, places and animals in paintings, followed by a ‘messy play’ art-making activity.
TATE BRITAIN Millbank SW1P 4RG www.tate.org.uk Until 3 April Life Between Islands: Caribbean-British Art This landmark exhibition explores the extraordinary breadth of Caribbean-British art over four generations, showcasing 70 years of culture, experiences and ideas expressed through art, from visionary paintings to documentary photography, film, photography, sculpture and fashion.
ART ACTIVITIES DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY Gallery Road SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Until April Helen Frankenthaler: Radical Beauty The first major UK exhibition of woodcuts by the leading Abstract Expressionist, Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011). Shining a light on the artist’s ground-breaking woodcuts it showcases works never shown before in the UK, to reveal Frankenthaler as a creative force and a trailblazer of printmaking, who endlessly pushed the possibilities of
BETHLEM MUSEUM OF THE MIND Bethlem Royal Hospital BR3 3BX www.museumofthemind.org.uk Until April Animal Therapy: the Cats of Louis Wain 100 years ago, Louis Wain (1860-1939) was a household name: his anthropomorphic cats instantly recognisable in books and magazines. In his later years, with deteriorating mental health, Wain continued producing his art from Bethlem Royal Hospital. This exhibition combines the museum’s own collection with other items on loan from private collections, ahead of a major biopic starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy. GERALD MOORE GALLERY Mottingham Lane SE9 4RW www.geraldmooregallery.org 13 January - 19 February Tell Us A Story An exhibition celebrating storytelling through visual means, featuring works from emerging and contemporary illustrators and animators. Each work has been selected by students aged 11-16 from Eltham College, for their ability to spark imagination and delve into other worlds. February Half Term See illustrations and quotes from Gerald Moore’s book ‘The Cuckoo Who Flew Backwards’, and join in with storytelling plus children’s art and illustration workshops.
PAINTING & DECORATING Interior / Exterior • Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE AND QUOTE John: James & Lamont 020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695 jamlam.john@btinternet.com Familiesonline.co.uk
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SOMERSET HOUSE Strand WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk Until 6 March Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules Take a trip into Beanotown, join Dennis and Gnasher, Minnie the Minx and more, and explore how this brilliant and beloved icon of British comics has fired up successive generations to break the rules, while also discovering the artists who push the boundaries in their own original and wonderful ways. THE ARTIST’S GARDEN Roof of Temple Tube Station WC2R 2PH www.thecolab.art/temple Until 30 April Back in the Air: A Meditation on Higher Ground The vast half-acre roof terrace on top of Temple Underground Station offers spectacular views across the River Thames towards the South Bank opposite. Visit to see works including ‘Back in the Air’ by London-based artist Lakwena Maciver. Internationally renowned for her joy-inducing palette, dynamic designs and profound, succinct messages, her intensely coloured, geometric forms provide a haven above the turbulent world below - an oasis of coloured calm.
Calling all young Scientists! Help us discover how babies & kids learn! We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s Babylab & ToddlerLab in central London. Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies
020 3926 1207 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk Families South East • January / February 2022
15
FOOD
Winter warmers Get your big bowls and mugs out and make some of these fabulous, hearty seasonal soups and hot drinks with the kids.
Real tomato soup
Hot butter beer (no alcohol!)
Alphabet soup
Green pea and ham soup
Mini cob loaf sweet potato soup
White hot chocolate
Hot chocolate snowmen
Kids’ minestrone soup
Child-friendly hot toddy
10 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
LET'S DRUM! Established 2001 Forest Hill & Penge Drum School
6 Pro Drummers coaching adults & children
7 days a week/ 10am - 10pm including all holidays
*100% success for Trinity College and Rock School Grades 1-8 - mostly with merit or distinction!
In our SE20lessons studios on or Online! NEW group E-Drums.
discover the joy of creation...
• A journey for new mums & babies
Enrol NOW!
• Postnatal recuperation with yoga, massage, movement & songs
Contact us on 07930 415185 www.schoolofrhythm.com
Learn to read, write &
Oto TW s y a w
love
fun rn with lea KC! FM
BOUNTIFUL BEGINNINGS
6 week courses at venues in Brockley & Herne Hill, or online from your own home!
music with
prasaritayoga.co.uk or call Sarah on 07954 400705 for info & booking
Venue-based Keyboard Tuition
4 5-8 9-12 years Small groups/free trial!
Home Keyboard Tuition 5-8
SE/SW
9-12 years
Step by step videos at your own pace!
www.funkymonkey.info 01732 457 100
LOOKING FOR CHILDCARE? Multi award-winning Holiday Camps for children aged 4-11
We have vacancies in the delivery team. A nice little earner if you have a car, time to fill within school hours and a love of getting out and about locally.
Drivers required in Deptford, Woolwich, Greenwich, Eltham and Lewisham Please email the editor to register your interest editor@familiesselondon.co.uk
Offering only the best in childcare and music
www.thestringsclub.org | 0121 369 1950 8
Families South East • January / February 2022
South East
To advertise please call 07980 556813
EARLY YEARS
Getting more involved with your child’s development Volunteering at your child’s childcare setting is a great way to become more involved with your child’s learning and development. If you’ve previously worked with children or in childcare, that’s invaluable but you don’t actually need any experience. You may be interested in formal roles like a nursery assistant where you will receive lots of support including an induction or special training. Other roles may be more informal with flexible arrangements such as joining outings to the park, helping with a fundraising activity or running a toy library. Your child’s setting is likely to be open to ideas. Volunteering at your child’s setting can help you: Increase your enjoyment and understanding of the way your child learns; Learn new skills, gain confidence and practical experience; Make new friends and meet other parents; Develop and become part of a parent forum; Take up free training opportunities to help you progress into paid work; Get to know your child’s friends better; Explore new career opportunities in childcare; Give something back to your local community. Familiesonline.co.uk
Children learn a huge amount while in quality childcare but parents remain their most important educators. Find out how to continue developing your child’s learning at home. READ MORE
Protect your child online! Get a free and complete guide to parental controls*
APPLY HERE * while stocks last T&Cs apply
Magazine
January/February 15
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Just one healthy thing
At this time of the year, we are bombarded with unrealistic health advice. So how about setting yourself an easy target of changing just one thing this New Year? © Bruce Mars from Unsplash
Consider cold water swimming
Get a fitness buddy
Take time to meditate
Start with cold water showers and build up with the Wim Hof method.
Accountability works. Find out more.
10 minutes a day can make a huge difference. Find hundreds of free meditations.
Take Vitamin D
Try forest bathing
Get quality sleep
10mg daily for adults in autumn and winter compensate for lack of UK sunshine.
Time in forest/woodland boosts your mood, health and wellbeing. Find options here. Photo: Spirited Euphoria
If your nights are disrupted, try going to bed earlier. Discover the benefits. Photo: Gabrielle Henderson from Unsplash
Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels
Go veggie
For one day a week, skip meat. Follow MeatFreeMondays. Familiesonline.co.uk
Give up alcohol
Practise gratitude
Try mindful drinking with Keeping a daily gratitude Spirited Euphoria! 100% diary can make you feel more optimistic. natural, non-alcoholic, endorphin-releasing alternative. January/February 11
FAMILY LIFE
Protect your child online
Try Storytime, the world’s best story magazine!
The internet is a fantastic place to learn, play and contact friends and family. However, just like the real world, it’s not safe for children to navigate alone.
Special Full of fairy tales, adventures, myths Reader Offer and legends, tales from other cultures, real life stories and awesome animals, Storytime is the world’s best story magazine.
Save 15% on complete guide to parental controls (E-book/PB) Welcome to the new book, which aims to make it easier to protect our children online!
Leading children’s charities and parent groups agree that parents need more help to understand potential online dangers and understand how best to react when our children are upset or disturbed by something they have seen online. Protecting children of the digital age contains over 130 pages of information, advice, tips and step by step guides to setting parental controls on the most popular devices, Apps, platforms and games. Use code FAM15 at check out here to obtain the e-book for Special just £5.94 or the Reader paperback for just Offer £13.59.
Save 50% off your first 4 issues - just £9.99!
It’s packed with wonderful stories for children and parents to read, love and share, as well as puzzles, activities and games. All 52 pages are beautifully illustrated and printed on quality paper so they can be treasured, read and re-read. No adverts, plastic toys or packaging and each copy arrives in a specially illustrated envelope, so your child has all the excitement of receiving their own mail. Plus, each month, there are free home learning resources and fun activities to bring the stories to life. More info and apply for offer. Follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
18 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Health & fitness products for parents Getting fit when you are a busy parent can be a challenge. Here are some great products to get your health and fitness mojo back in 2022.
Groov-e SportBuds
TOFOTL Cordless Jump Rope
The Leg Master®
Wireless Stereo Earphones, perfect sound, snug ear hook fit and sweat-resistant. £39.99
Practical, clever weighted, cordless skipping rope. £10.60
Improves pelvic floor health and posture through classic strength training. £89.95
Claude Leggings, Pocket Sport
Eco-friendly Yoga Mats Inspiring, colourful, sustainable. Earth & animal-friendly. £40+
The Zeno Running Pushchair
The ZENO: for push or pull running; the AVI: ‘hands free’ stroller. From £819.95
Twelve South ActionSleeve 2
Breathe Deep, Seek Peace Flower Essence
Grounded Protein Shakes
Maximum comfort, flattering, breathable fabric, quick drying. Hidden pocket. £55
Wear on upper arm and workout with Apple Watch, monitoring your progress. £34.99 12 January/February
Awarded ‘best better sleep’ product. £12
Dairy free, sustainable, plant-based protein shakes. 20g of plant protein. £19.95 (6 pack). Familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
Sensible safety supplies It’s a great time of year to check that you have all the right protection to keep your children safe at home.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Essential if you use gas, LPG, oil or wood at home. £14
Cable Tidy Unit
The easiest way to keep cables away from children. Click-lock lid. £17.90
Bath & Room Thermometer
Flashes/beeps when water is too hot/cold for your child. Floats in bath. £11.49 14 January/February
St John Ambulance Travel First Aid Kit Important at home and when away. £18.60
Stove & Hob Guard
Protects from stove-top dangers. Adjustable. Suitable for gas and electric. £37.99
Magnetic Child Locks
Corner Protectors
Oven Door Guard
Door Slam Protector
No DIY skills required. Fit lock and catch simultaneously. £19.95
Prevents little hands from opening the oven and getting injured or burned. £6.49
Easy to install. Larger than others. Soft protection from sharp corners. £6.99
Protects fingers from door slamming and children from getting locked in. From £6.99 Familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
DIY board games from overseas Fed up with the board games in the cupboard? Make and try these fascinating alternatives curated from overseas by www.whatdowedoallday.com
Watermelon Chess Country of origin: China
Kaooa Country of origin: India
Nine holes Country of origin: England
Fighting Serpents Country of origin: New Mexico
Lu Lu Dice Country of origin: Hawaii
Picaria
Country of origin: American South West
Fox & Geese Country of origin: Scandinavia
Shisima Country of origin: Kenya
Tapatan Country of origin: Philippines
22 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
Chinese New Year crafts Chinese New Year falls on 1 February this year and offers the perfect inspiration for kids to get crafty!
Year of the Tiger paper bag puppet
Chinese lantern
Chinese New Year candle holders
Tangram puzzle
Mr Panda craft
Fortune Cookies
Chinese New Year’s pinwheel
Rattle drum
Paper plate Chinese dragon
Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 23
ACTIVITIES
Wild winter activities Playing outside is important for kids, even in winter. Here are some great outdoor activity ideas to keep them busy.
Build teeny tiny twig rafts
Rain paint
Make a muddy water filter
Make a mini pond in a pot
Do some wild weaving
Make a magic potion
Make a wormery
Create frozen sun catchers
Build a bird box
24 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk