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IN THIS ISSUE Why Children Misbehave Weaning Your Baby Local News What's On … And Lots more!
Issue 74 April/May/June 2019 familiesonline.co.uk
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Welcome to issue 74 Here’s to another beautiful season of new beginnings, brighter mornings and… the clocks going forward on Mother’s Day. That’s a bit harsh. You may want to hold off changing the clocks in your house until after your lie-in!
Editor Susanne Hein editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk 01355 459 314 Next issue Jul/Aug 2019 Tell us about any events or classes you want to publicise. Please get in touch. Booking deadline 1 June Special ad rates and offers available. call or email to find out more.
We are looking forward to exploring the blooming parks and making the most of the Easter holidays. Our What’s On mailbox was full to the brim again with exciting opportunities to try new activities, so remember to keep an eye on our Facebook page for lots more tips of what to see and do around the city. There are also the two long week-ends in May coming up, as well as Father’s Day and all those end-of term activities. Make the most of any lie-ins you can get, it’s going to be a busy spring!
Susanne In this issue 2. News 5. Parent 2 Parent
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6 Top 10 'Must Have' Family Photos
Cover Image: Istockphoto
6. Should We Reward Children With Sugary food?
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7. How to celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day after losing a baby
9. Book Reviews For The Season 10. Weaning Your Baby 11. Baby News 12. Why Children Misbehave 13. Easter activities
More Free Early Learning and Childcare More than 10,000 families across Glasgow city could be in line to benefit from more free and fully funded early learning and childcare (ELC) in Glasgow's nurseries following an agreement and cross party support at a City Administration Committee meeting. Glasgow families earning up to £45,000 will now be offered 900 hours of free ELC provision for three and four-year olds from August 2019 - an additional 300 hours to their current statutory entitlement. Partner providers will also be able to offer this should they wish. This is an increase of the current household threshold of £30,000 introduced by the City Government last year as the council works towards rolling out the Scottish Government's national commitment of 1140hrs fully funded early learning expansion plans for all 3 and 4-year olds and eligible 2 year-olds by August 2020. The committee report also outlines the council's commitment to valued partner providers by announcing the new commissioning rate - an increase of 54% to £5.40 per hour which will be available from August 2019. This will help partners as they make their own phasing plans for the introduction of 1140hrs by August 2020. Councillor Chris Cunningham, City Convener for Education, Skills & Early Years said: "This proposal will mean more fully funded early learning and childcare hours for thousands of our families and will be a big help towards the monthly bills in a time when everyone is feeling the pinch.” Children's Minister Maree Todd said: "International research has proven that universally accessible and high-quality early years education helps to provide children with skills and confidence to carry into school. I look forward to seeing these positive changes to children's lives as a result of Glasgow's early roll-out."
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News & Views
New Public Park Approved North Lanarkshire Council's Planning Committee granted planning permission for an exciting new development at Ravenscraig. Initial funding for the project will come from the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund.
Speak Out Stay Safe Strathclyde Sirens netball star Ella Gibbons joined NSPCC Scotland recently on a visit to Mosshead Primary School in Bearsden with the charity’s Speak Out Stay Safe programme. The programme aims to help children, in an age-appropriate way, to understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs that it is happening, learn how to protect themselves and how to get help – including from the NSPCC’s Childline service. Research shows that on average at least two children in every primary school classroom will have suffered some form of abuse or neglect. NSPCC Scotland has been working in partnership with Strathclyde Sirens, the nation’s only semi-professional women’s sports team, since 2017 with the shared aim of promoting child safety. After the assembly the pupils enjoyed a coaching session with Ella who said: “The NSPCC’s Speak Out Stay Safe campaign is a really amazing cause and the impact that it has on children and young people in terms of giving them the knowledge to recognise abuse is so important. This is an off-court activity we are extremely proud to be part of.” NSPCC Scotland Schools Area Co-ordinator Richard Caswell added: “If we can get children into the habit of speaking out about their feelings then they are more likely to speak out against abuse. We teach them that Childline is always there if they can’t talk to an adult. It was fantastic to have Ella Gibbons at the school and the Strathclyde Sirens are the perfect ambassadors for empowerment.”
Located on the former steelworks site, the park will include a play area, sensory garden, visitor hub with a disabled toilet and changing facility, events area, a network of walking and cycling routes, a multi sports pitch and an outdoor gym. The play area will have climbing walls, swings, trampolines, bouncing discs, a climbing tower, zip slide, talk tubes, balance beams and posts, incorporating accessible facilities for children and young people with mobility issues. "The park is designed for everyone in the communities in and around Ravenscraig, giving a focal point for the area as the site develops with new housing and facilities," said Councillor Allan Graham, Convener of the Enterprise and Growth Committee. "During the consultation last year we listened to the views of local people and have adapted our plans to reflect what residents would like to see in the park. We believe the park will be a popular place for families, community groups and local schools to meet, play and enjoy."
Social Media Companies Face Government Action The government has announced its desire to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online. Digital minister, Margot James says: “There is far too much bullying, abuse, misinformation and manipulation online.” The announcement comes after the tragic death of Molly Russell, 14, whose parents had found she had viewed content on social media linked to depression, self-harm and suicide before taking her own life in 2017. Ms James said “The tragic death of Molly Russell is the latest consequence of a social media world that behaves as if it is above the law. For too long the response from many of the large platforms has fallen short.” "We have heard calls for an internet regulator and to place a statutory duty of care on platforms, and are seriously considering all options.” “Social media companies clearly need to do more to ensure they are not promoting harmful content to vulnerable people” said a Government spokesman. A white paper is forthcoming. For more information on making the internet safer for your child visit www. saferinternet.org.uk
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Families Glasgow 3
Free and Discounted Family Activities This Easter Young Glasgow across the city.
Join the thousands of Glasgow kids who enjoy free and discounted Holiday Programme activities from
At Glasgow Life, local community centres, libraries, museums and Glasgow Clubs are bursting with fun activities that your kids will love. The best part is, lots of activities are FREE! Coming up they have:
Need a new idea to get your kids active outdoors, learning or improving a skill? Fill your school holidays with a new adventure and new friendships. Don't miss out on the summer programme at the Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre! •
Half day ski and snowboard lessons. Mornings 9.30am until 12 noon or Afternoons 1.30pm – 4pm.
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Arts and crafts –libraries, community centres and museums host lots of fun, free arty activities so your wee ones can get creative (mess you don’t have to clean up!).
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Early drop off / collection available in most instances.
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Indoor/outdoor play and games - community centres are a great place for kids to discover their fun side and make new friends while they play.
Full day camps including skiing, snowboarding and outdoor sports and activities (age restrictions apply).
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Performance ski camps for budding racers.
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Freestyle skiing and snowboarding camps.
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All levels of ski and snowboard skills are catered for.
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All holiday programmes include fun race events, obstacle courses and tubing sessions.
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All equipment included in the cost.
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Kids all leave with a certificate recording the progress they have made.
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Sport – Learn teamwork, skill and keep fit at the same time. Choose from a wide variety of sports, coached by Glasgow Sport. From football and tennis to athletics, gymnastics and more. Visit the website to find the perfect sport for you.
So if you’re a parent who wants their kids off the sofa and away from the TV, or maybe you just want a few hours of peace and quiet, let the friendly Glasgow Life staff entertain the kids and help make the most of the school holidays. Find activities near you at youngglasgow.org.uk, Facebook.com/ YoungGlasgow or Twitter.com/Young_Glasgow.
It’s Scilly Season!
Check www.ski-glasgow.co.uk for further information or download the app. Glasgow Ski Centre available on Google Play Store or Apple App Store. To book or for enquiries call the office on 0141 427 4991.
As part of its SS19 Scilly season, Frugi has unveiled a limited-edition twinning range! An exciting first from the UK’s leading organic childrenswear brand, mums can now release their inner child with their little ones Frugi style! Available in the brands hero Skater dress, the collection also includes leggings and a top in the striking Over the Rainbow print. Bursting with colourful rainbows on a bright blue backdrop and white polka dots, there are no mini adults here, just big kids!
Teacher, Please Don’t Shout A survey of 591 children and young people across Scotland, undertaken by Children in Scotland, has resulted in a report in which the key findings are that teachers should be kind and fair and meet the needs of all pupils as individuals. Children identified that a good teacher does not make them stressed and is not stressed themselves. Shouting or angry behaviour scares children and young people, undermining relationships with teachers and is counterproductive to learning and motivation. The report also found that children valued fairness and clear and consistent rules which were enforced by warmth and kindness, and not shouting. Children also expressed a need for a good teacher to make time for everyone and to provide the support pupils need. The survey was commissioned by the General Teaching Council for Scotland as part of its aim to place children’s voices and perspectives at the heart of its review of Professional Standards for Teachers. More info: www.childreninscotland.org.uk 4 Families Glasgow
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Parent 2 Parent I’m Gary and I run Stagecoach Performing Arts Glasgow which is a musical theatre school for children. My wife Julie runs a theatrical agency representing actors, so the family is a bit jazz handy. We have three children: Nico (10), and Macy and Blake who are eight-year old twins. We used to live in the west end but gradually moved further south as more children appeared, eventually stopping in Eaglesham before we left Glasgow altogether.
Why do you like living where you do? Eaglesham is a lovely little village, perfect for bringing up children and we’re beside fields and woods so it’s great for the kids to have adventures. It’s only twenty minutes to the city centre too so it’s ideal for work while getting away from it all when at home.
Favourite Park It has to be Kelvingrove Park, we lived next to it when we were younger and used to take our first dog, Monty for walks there every day. It reminds me of him and of simpler times.
Favourite children’s club/class I’m biased here because it’s Stagecoach where our children learn to sing, dance and act…Okay, we run it, so they have to go, but of course with mummy and daddy in
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No parent should be without Lots of patience and an acceptance that once you have children then your life is going to fly by.
Parenting pet hates showbiz they were going to grow up loving musical theatre!
Favourite day out We love a visit to Troon for a walk on the beach, in the sunshine during the summer or being blown away by the wind during the winter.
Favourite child friendly restaurant Tony Macaronis in East Kilbride next to Jackton is great for children, our kids love their pizzas and it’s big and loud enough for families not to worry about disturbing other diners.
Biggest waste of money Cars!
Rampaging pensioners with shopping trolleys in Newton Mearns Asda, some of them are a real hazard to children.
Funniest comment your kids have ever made Macy has her own language. She turns her clothes “inside outside”, she doesn’t rewind programmes on the television, it’s “fast backwards”, and the day after tomorrow is “tomorrowmorrow”, the day after that “tomorrowmorrowmorrow”. Nico and Blake seem to think these phrases are all perfectly normal.
Favourite family holiday spot Julie and I are split on this: she’s for somewhere different most years whereas I’d go back to Puerto Pollensa on Mallorca every year – it has a huge beach and lively family restaurants for evenings.
Families Glasgow 5
Top Ten “Must Have” Family Photos for your Home Do you have trouble deciding which family photos to display in your home? Do you feel that you have too many similar images on your walls? Would you like to use your family photos to really enhance your child’s sense of themselves and their family?
Pet Photographs All family members can build special bonds with pets - they’re an important part of the family, so should also feature in a frame. A Photograph with Mum
Here is my list of suggestions.
Mums are often the ones behind the camera; try to capture a candid photo instead of a selfie to reinforce the strength of your bond with your child.
A Candid Photograph Natural photos reflect a person’s personality, whether they are of an energetic toddler running around or if they are a shot which captured someone by surprise. These photos help children value the diversity and uniqueness of their family and friends.
helps reinforce a child’s sense of belonging to their friendship group or team and can be reassuring and increase confidence levels, particularly at challenging times.
A Baby Photograph
An Everyday Photograph
Children love seeing themselves as babies in photographs. It really helps them to develop a sense of their own identity.
Activities such as playing after school, walking the dogs or helping you with the gardening are important as they reinforce a child’s routine and reaffirm lasting memories.
A Family Unit Photograph A family picture reminds a child that they are loved, they belong and hold a vital place within the unit. A Club/Classmate Photograph
A Special Day Out Photograph Visits to a theme park, farm or seaside remind children of really memorable experiences they can talk about and share with other family members.
A team sports or classmate photograph
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A Photograph with Dad Following child birth, photographs will often feature mother and her child. It’s also very important for dad to be photographed with his baby son or daughter. An Extended Family Photograph Don’t forget about grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins (especially those who aren’t seen very often) – they are all an important part of a child’s upbringing and identity. Dr Amanda Gummer is a child development expert and family psychologist and has written this article in collaboration with Canon, which has a great selection of photo printers in its PIXMA range, perfect for printing family photos at home.
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IN THIS ISSUE Throw an Awesome Kids Party Find Your Next Family Adventure Master the Childcare Maze …and lots more!
Issue 73 January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk
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To register your interest in Families Glasgow Magazine email editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk 6 Families Glasgow
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Family Life
How to Celebrate Mother’s Day or Father’s Day after Losing a Baby
By Petra Boynton
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are supposed to be times for happy families and honouring all that parents do. But it can be a bittersweet time if you’ve lost a baby recently or in the past. Grief can leave you feeling isolated and lonely, and you may feel you have to hide this from others, particularly if your friends or relatives have been awkward or unsympathetic about your loss(es). Perhaps you’re under pressure to keep up a ‘perfect parent’ persona that leaves no room for feelings of anger or frustration about your loss. Or you may simply be unsure how to mark the day. At a time of year where you’re expected to be around children and celebrate parenthood you may struggle if you are missing a baby you lost, or are navigating family gatherings where you might feel envious of those who have children. You may want to take pride in being a parent while still find it difficult to adjust to not having a particular baby (or babies) with you. While it’s not often talked about, it isn’t unusual for parents or their wider families to find Mother’s Day and Father’s Day a tricky time – particularly if it’s your first anniversary following bereavement. Your partner may feel the same way, but say nothing. Similarly, young children may not be so aware of your losses but can still can be affected by grief; while older children may be struggling but unsure how to ask for help. Everyone in the family may have different ways of coping and managing their emotions and reactions and this can be tricky especially if what one family member wants to do conflicts with someone else’s needs. There is no straightforward journey through the grieving process and there’s no set time by which you’ll feel better. Instead there will always be good and bad days. This can mean Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can either become a powerful time for remembrance, or a trigger for distress. You have permission to mark the day in whatever way you wish – it’s worth noting that you may not end up managing the day in the way you anticipated. It’s absolutely fine to tell others how you are doing, how you wish to treat the day and how you’d like them to support you. This may include asking them not to make a big deal of the day or to join in celebrations that honour the memory of the baby (or babies) that aren’t with you. It’s your day, so you get to define, change and mark it in whatever way works best for you. Support groups are a good place to connect with other people who have experienced losses. In the run up to Mother’s Day or Father’s Day and during the day itself, making use of online forums, groups on Facebook, charity helplines or email advice services can be very reassuring if you need support. familiesonline.co.uk
Petra Boynton is the author of Coping With Pregnancy Loss, published by Routledge, RRP £11.99. Get 20% off the book with the code CWL20! Other sources of support can be found at https:// copingwithpregnancyloss.com/support
Establishing New Traditions after Loss You may want to pick a meaningful place to visit like a walk in peaceful surroundings, a beautiful beach, or somewhere you feel happy. Not everyone wants to celebrate after loss. That might mean doing very little to mark Mother’s Day and Father’s Day; you may want to spend the time quietly or on a retreat with other parents who’ve experienced similar loss. Alternatively, your preferred treat might be something that’s focussed on your living children or those of other relatives or friends, whilst still remembering any babies not with you. Meaningful dates can be good times to make memorials – these could include planting a tree, creating a memory box or scrap book, or joining an online memorial page. If your baby has a grave to visit, spending some time there on the day either alone or with family members can feel important and meaningful. You may want to take flowers or other mementoes. You might ask for donations to a baby loss charity, made in the name of all your children or that of the baby (or babies) you’ve lost.
Families Glasgow 7
Should we reward our children with sugary food?
It's not unusual for parents to offer their children "special" - and often unhealthy - foods as a reward for good behaviour or achievement. Equally, if children are bored on a long car journey, or fed up with being in the buggy, it’s tempting to use snack foods to distract them for a little longer. We’ve all noticed that if children are upset because they have hurt themselves or want something they cannot have, the offer of something sweet helps 'make them feel better.' Withholding special food treats may also be a punishment. A parent might refuse to serve pudding, for example, if her children have talked back or neglected to tidy their rooms. But what is the result of using food as a tool to deal with emotions like boredom or sadness or as a punishment? Does it turn children into adults who cannot cope with being bored or upset without For many parents and kids, snacks are unhealthy treats – packets of crisps, cupcakes, or little chocolate bars – but this doesn’t have to be the case. There are so many really tasty things we can snack on that are just as costeffective, and are also just as easy to buy or make. Healthy snacking is reliant on planning and shopping. What we have in our cupboard is what we are going to graze on at home. A little planning before visiting the supermarket goes a long way towards having things we want to eat in our cupboards, and reducing the number
8 Families Glasgow
a sweet snack? There certainly isn't any evidence to suggest that occasionally resorting to the biscuit tin will affect children in this way. But what if we do it on a regular basis? What happens when sweets and biscuits become the major reward in a child’s life? There is a growing body of evidence which suggests that regularly using food as an emotional distraction or as a reward or punishment for children may be associated with a greater risk of emotional eating. A recent study carried out by Aston, Loughborough and Birmingham universities found that parents who use controlling feeding practices with their children could be unintentionally teaching their children to rely on food to deal with their emotions of things we might not want our kids (or ourselves!) to eat. If we want to eat less cake, chocolate and crisps, then buying less (or none at all) in the supermarket is a good place to start. It sounds simple, but life for the average family is so busy that we rarely take the time to stop and re-evaluate the little things that can have a big effect on our lives. Having jars of seeds, dried fruits, and nuts on the kitchen countertop is an easy way to start changing your grazing habits. They are visually very attractive, and are easy for kids to grab handfuls of
later in life. Using food as a reward can also undermine healthy eating habits. Giving sweets, crisps, or squash as a reward can lead to children overeating foods that are high in sugar, fat, and empty calories. Worse, it can interfere with the child’s natural ability to regulate their eating, encouraging them to eat when they're not hungry to reward themselves. Offering unhealthy food as a reward or treat is also confusing. Children hear that they're supposed to enjoy healthy foods and avoid foods with little nutritional value. Being told that they can indulge in foods that are bad for them as a reward or having these withheld as a punishment sends a very mixed message. More information at www. nhs.uk/change4life
for snacking. Some parents are concerned about sugar content and fructose levels in fresh fruit, but when comparing it to a chocolate bar or a packet of crisps, it’s far superior. David & Stephen Flynn, The Happy Pear, are authors of a no.1 bestselling cookbook and part of Jamie Oliver’s Food Tube family. www.jamieoliver.com
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Lubna and Pebble – Wendy Meddour, ISBN: 9780192771940, HB £11.99, 2+yrs Oscar is just starting to grasp the concepts of favourites and sharing. He recognised a lot of the pictures in the book: falling asleep in daddy’s arms, drawing on stones, sleeping in a den (tent). As an adult it’s easy to contextualise the story and I couldn’t quite see how the larger picture of a displaced people might resonate with a very young child. I needn’t have worried. For Oscar, all that mattered was that Lubna cared about her friends. First Pebble, and later Amir. The story has an ageless emotional heart, really, with lovely illustrations, told in a way easily understood by young children.
Your Kids’ Book Reviews Spring Reads We welcome all book reviews. Send them to editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk and you may be published in the next issue!
Cherry Blossom and Paper Planes – Jef Aerts ISBN: 9781782505617, HB £12.99 – 4-8yrs
Larklight – Philip Reeve ISBN: 9781408800607, PB £7.99, 9-12yrs
Lucas (age 12), Bearsden
Little Bird Flies – Karen McCombie ISBN: 9780857639, PB £6.99, 8-12yrs I was so excited to see a story set in Scotland. This book describes the life of Bridie who lives on the fictional island of Tornish. It’s set almost 200 years ago, and describes what it was like to be poor and Scottish. Bridie’s family is being tormented by a new laird, and soon they flee to the big city of Glasgow. The author manages to convey all the emotions of the characters in such a way that it feels as if you are there with them, experiencing the joy and anger they feel. It’s a great way to learn about the history of Scotland, while at the same time going on an adventure with Bridie and her family. Katie (age 11), Shawlands
I’ve always wanted a kitten, and this book is the closes I can get without having an actual kitten. It’s absolutely amazing. You need to download an app to your phone or tablet and hold the phone over the book, and all of a sudden a kitten is jumping around in your room! You get to choose what your kitten looks like and I’ve learned loads about kittens now. My friends want to play with it, too, when they come to visit. I totally recommend this book for kitten fans. Erin (age 9), Maryhill
Karen, mother to Oscar (age 2), city centre
This is the first in a trilogy of space adventures which sees Art and his annoying sister fleeing across the galaxy and meeting a weird and wonderful assortment of characters. The setting is like an alternate universe in which space travel was invented 300 years ago and the best way to describe the story is “marvellously bonkers”. As long as you are willing to go along for the ride you will experience a crazy journey involving space pirates, giant spiders and a good dose of fun.
My Cutest Kitten Book – Kay Woodward, ISBN: 9781783124220, HB £9.99, 7+yrs
Happy!: A First Book of Feelings – Mary Murphy, ISBN: 9781406380651, HB £5.99, 0+yrs A lovely book which works on many levels: it’s got flaps to lift (always a bonus), it shows everyday emotions in easily recognisable situations, and it shows how those situations can get turned around into a positive. Laila enjoyed this book very much and I can see us going back to it many times. Anya, mother to Laila (18mths), Giffnock
The Hug – Eoin McLaughlin ISBN: 9780571340019, HB £6.99, 0-5yrs The hedgehog is all alone. No-one wants to hug him. Because he’s all spiky. They’re all too busy. Then he meets the tortoise. They have a biiiig hug. And then we turn the book upside down. And then the tortoise is all alone. No-one wants to hug him. Because he’s all hard. Then he meets the hedgehog. They fit together!
Dina and Adin are best friends. Their favourite thing to do is climb the cherry trees and spit out the stones. They spit the stones out everywhere and plant cherry trees. One day Adin has to move to the city. Dina and Adin miss each other a lot. Adin tries to plant lots of cherry stones in the city. Then in the spring time all the cherry trees bloom and they don’t feel so alone any more. Caitlin (age 8), Hyndland
Spring – Anna Claybourne, ISBN: 9781526309044, HB £12.99, 6-8yrs I love this book so much! It’s science and crafts and nature all in one. You can make cool stuff like a tornado, or something really pretty like butterflies that sit on your finger. There are twelve different things to do, and most of the things you need you already have in your house. I’ve already tried out the egg trick to see how strong eggs are and I’m going to show it to my friends. My science teacher would love this book, too! Jessica (age 7), Cathcart
Finlay (age 4), Cumbernauld
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WIN
To win a copy of any of these titles, send an email with your name and address, plus the book title of your choice in the subject line of the e-mail, to competitions@ familiesglasgow.co.uk Closing date: 17th May See familiesonline.co.uk for full terms and conditions.
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Families Glasgow 9
Baby & Toddler
Weaning Your Baby By Annabel Karmel Blending, storing, mashing and messy highchairs are all part of the exciting journey of weaning! From around 6 months, a baby’s regular milk will no longer provide them with all the nutrients they need – in particular, essential fatty acids and iron – and their stores of these start to deplete. So now is the time to begin weaning, as missing nutrients need to be provided by food.
Whilst a high percentage of parents start out with spoon-led purees, baby-led weaning (BLW) is fast growing in popularity. The BLW philosophy is to let your baby feed herself from 6 months, missing out on purees and spoon feeding altogether. Babies can explore a variety of different tastes and textures from the beginning, helping them to eat a wide range of foods and develop good eating habits.
Every baby develops at their own pace but here are few key signs that your baby is ready for weaning: Your baby: Can hold her head steady and sit up with minimal supervision
As well as soft finger foods, you can offer a mini portion of a family meal (without the salt). Cottage pie, risotto or chicken curry are all ideal (and tasty) options.
Has developed sufficient hand-to-eye coordination to look at food, pick it up and put it in her mouth
Don’t worry about how much or how little your baby eats at the beginning; as long as they are experiencing a variety of tastes/textures and eating lots of different nutritious foods then you’re on the right track!
Is showing an interest in what you are eating Has lost the tongue-thrust reflex (automatically pushing solids out of her mouth with her tongue) and is able to swallow food
Remember that no ‘one-size-fits-all’ with weaning. Some people decide to go with one method or the other, but I’ve always believed that you don’t have to choose. At around 6 months, you have the freedom to combine an element of baby-led weaning alongside spoon feeding if you feel that’s right for you and your baby.
Best First Foods
From 6 months, your baby will need more than just fruit and vegetables and you will need to make sure you start to introduce iron rich foods like meat, lentils, eggs and iron-enriched cereals as well as foods rich in Essential Fatty Acids from oily fish like salmon. The transition to solids is more about introducing food than giving a full meal. Your baby will still need at least 600ml of breast milk or formula each day until they are at least 12 months old when their diet is varied enough to offer the correct balance of nutrients. Please don’t worry about picky eaters - we’ve all been there! Your baby may need to try a new food 10 to 15 times before they are willing to eat it.
Reflux and Allergies Around 50% of all babies experience some reflux during their first 3 months, but, it will prove to be a problem for only a very few and they will usually outgrow it. Gastrooesophageal reflux can sometimes be a sign of cow’s milk protein allergy so look out for the signs and symptoms and seek advice from your doctor if you are concerned. Childhood food allergies are increasing but 10 Families Glasgow
With my son Nicholas I soon realised that if I added baby pasta shapes to his favourite puree then he was more receptive because it was a flavour he was familiar with. Give rice or couscous a go too.
Baby-led or Spoon-led?
Getting Started
First foods should be simple, easy to digest, and unlikely to provoke an allergic reaction. I would recommend starting with a single ingredient, ideally a fruit or vegetable. Root vegetables like carrots, sweet potato and butternut squash are very popular; they have a naturally sweet flavour (similar to breastmilk) and can easily be puréed to a smooth texture. Try mixing them with a little breast/formula milk to ease the transition.
gradually increase their size.
the actual incidence of food allergy in babies is very small - about 5 to 6%. Babies and children also tend to grow out of allergies like cow’s milk or egg allergy by ages 2 or 3. If your baby is at high risk e.g. has bad eczema, then it’s sensible to get allergy testing done just before weaning to help guide safe introduction of common allergenic foods such as milk, egg and peanut. For babies with no history then these foods should be introduced from 6 months.
Annabel Karmel is a leading children’s cookery author and feeding expert. Her book, Weaning (DK £12.99) includes everything you need to know about traditional and baby-led weaning, advice on when to start, critical nutrients, how to cater for allergies and intolerances, and more than 60 healthy and delicious recipes. Available from all good bookstores.
If your baby’s diet is restricted for any reason, it’s important to seek professional advice to ensure that they are still getting all the essential vitamins and minerals they need. Iron, Fats, Protein, Essential Fatty Acids, Carbohydrates, Zinc and Vitamin D are all essential to include in their diet from 6 months.
Tackling Texture From around 6 to 9 months babies are developing quite rapidly, so introduce as many different nutritious foods, flavours and textures as possible during this time. To help them tackle texture, try finely dicing and softening small cubes of carrot or apple so their gums can squash them when they try to chew. Be careful of surprise chunks as these can really startle your baby and put them off. Making your own baby food will allow you to control the size of the lumps and in turn, familiesonline.co.uk
Home Cleaning: Baby Proof When baby comes along parents often pay greater attention to chemicals in beauty products, opting for more natural based products to use on baby’s skin.
Baby News
Communication At Your Fingertips
But what about the home? Chemical cleaners actually add to the pollutants in the air in our homes, are highly fragranced and exasperate respiratory problems such as asthma and irritate the skin.
Using gesture communication, like baby signing, has been shown to increase literacy and language for young children. Described as ‘language in motion’ signing helps little ones learn, retain and recall language more effectively because they are learning kinaesthetically – by moving – which is, after all, what little bodies were built to do.
For a natural, chemical free cleaning, using just water to remove bacteria from around the home, parents can use e-cloth products.
ICAN, the children’s communication charity, state that at 2 years of age a child is likely to have 2 word sentences and know around 50 words.
Family GP Dr Gil Jenkins says: “Baby needs a clean environment and people tend to associate this with using traditional chemical cleaners around the home to wipe down worktops, table and changing areas to get rid of germs and bacteria.
In contrast, experiences of signing babies and toddlers show that frequently they have many more words identified by both sign and language, are able to put together far longer sentences and that these sentences are grammatically and contextually correct too.
“However, these cleaners contain a number of chemicals and just serve to add to air borne pollutants in the home and can affect not just baby but parents also. A much simpler and natural, chemical-free way to clean the home is to use a product such as e-cloth which only requires water to remove bacteria. These products can be used all over the home, and parents are safe in the knowledge that they are not adding unnecessary toxic chemical to their home.” A number of worldwide laboratory studies on e-cloth products have confirmed the highly efficient antibacterial action of e-cloths, and though no chemicals are being used, this method still eliminates almost all bacteria, proving chemical-cleaning is no longer a must.
Chemical-free cleaning tips for parents Toys: Babies use their mouth to explore, which means toys are often in the mouth, become a little soggy and are a playground for bacteria. Pop plastic toys in the dishwasher, add some drops of eucalyptus and rinse on a warm temperature. Stains: A new baby will mean stains on clothes and carpets. Use a natural cleaning mixture by mixing a couple of tablespoons of salt with apple cider vinegar, rub the solution in the stain on your carpet, then use a vacuum to lift the rest of the solution out of the carpet Remove shoes: Not strictly a cleaning tip, but leave shoes at the front door, and get visitors to remove theirs. This minimises the amount of outside dirt and germs that are trodden through the house. Especially important if baby is enjoying floor time. Switch to e-cloth fibre technology: Use a product like e-cloth, which has superior fibre technology to really catch and lock in dirt and over 99% of bacteria. What’s more you only need to use water with e-cloth products to remove bacteria – so chemical free cleaning all round. Add some plants: Put some greenery indoors. Instead of spraying air freshener around the house add some plants that will not only make rooms look great but will help purify the air. Try Aloe Vera and spider plants - they require little attention!
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‘Signing and talking simultaneously with young children, to emphasise key words in context, is an important tool with young children in the early stages of language development’ (Michael Jones, 'Talking and Learning With Young Children'). By the age of 2 75% of a child’s brain growth has occurred and the experiences of the child physically affect the brain structure. By age 4 the difference in the number of words different groups / demographics of children hear is 19 million. If you are thinking about developing your child’s literacy and language skills, try baby signing. It’s fun, simple, and you’ll love learning BSL with your little one, safe in the knowledge that all that eye contact, bonding, songs and stories are giving your child the very best start as well as a skill for life.
Get Paid to Babysit If you’re a family member over 16, under State Pension age and care for children under 12, you could be missing out on up to £4,600. You may be entitled to National Insurance (NI) credits to top up your state pension. So, if you’re of working age and look after children related to you for any amount of time, you may be owed some money! Call HMRC on 0300 200 3500 to find out, or go to www.gov.uk – Money and Tax – National Insurance to read up on the fact sheet to find out if you’re eligible.
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Parenting
Why Children Misbehave… and How to Handle It By Kristina Bill, Joy Marchese and Jane Nelsen Human beings are fundamentally social beings. Our primary goals are to belong (connection) and to have a sense of purpose and contribution (significance). In their pursuit of these goals, it is normal for children to test the waters by misbehaving. They do so when they are struggling to achieve these goals and feeling discouraged. When children misbehave and parents feel frazzled, we often resort to quick fixes such as punishment, reward and bribery, because yes, they deliver temporary results. However, many of these approaches do not empower children to find connection, belonging and a sense of purpose and contribution. This leads to a vicious cycle of discouragement and renewed misbehaviour. To see sustained behavioural change, we need to focus not just on the misbehaviour, but on the belief behind the behaviour – the discouragement our children are experiencing. Then we need to use parenting tools based on encouragement that help our children experience their deep need to belong and feel capable through contribution.
Building Confidence and Resilience Here are some strategies that we can use to help our children develop the skills they need to pursue their goals.
Connection before Correction Brain research has shown that children do better when they feel better. This does not mean feeling better because they get everything they want. They feel better because they feel connected (belonging) and responsible (significant). Thus it is very important to make a connection with your child before you attempt correction. One of the easiest ways to do this is to validate their
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do Divorce rates in Scotland have been steadily dropping over the last decade – we’re not even in the top ten. Unfortunately, frustration, anxiety, annoyance and impatience are still the main drivers of conflict between partners leading to irreconcilable differences. In these times of “conscious uncoupling”, what can you do to make sure your family continues to strive for healthy relationships outside of traditional marriage? Experienced Family Lawyer, Judith Higson, from Scullion LAW has this advice:
12 Families Glasgow
feelings.
Validate Feelings “I know you’re upset because you can’t have that toy, but if you save your pocket money, I’m sure you can purchase one soon.” You are connecting by showing understanding and validating your child’s feelings AND you are giving them the opportunity to contribute (earn and save their money) instead of rescuing them and buying something for them.
Positive Time Out When your child misbehaves, firstly you need to check in with yourself and make sure you are calm enough to deal compassionately with your child at that time. If you are not, chances are you will react with short-term strategies. Say to your child that you are upset and need some time by yourself. This models self-regulation, an essential life skill. Ask if it would help him to have some chill time too. To ensure your child understands what you are doing, discuss as a family what happens when we’re stressed – our brains are flooded with stress hormones so we can’t think. Then explain that when one of you is stressed, you can ask for chill out time in a different place in the house that works for each individual. This Time Out should ALWAYS be a choice and NEVER a punishment.
Focus on Solutions Reduce power struggles by focussing on solutions rather than consequences of bad behaviour. Learn to think in terms of problem = solution instead of problem = blame and punishment. It can be effective and empowering to help children explore the consequences of their choices by asking, “What do you think caused that to happen,
Try to have a good enough relationship with each other as parents, even though you are no longer together as a couple. Equally, encourage your child to have a good relationship with both of you. Your child needs to understand what is happening to their family. It is your job to explain this. You can help your child think about how he or she feels about the break up. Listen to what your child has to say. Try to agree arrangements for your child (including contact) with the other parent. Have conversations that are open, honest and respectful. Explain your point of view so that you don’t misunderstand each other. Draw up a plan as to how you will share
and what ideas do you have to solve the problem?” This teaches them valuable life skills such as problem-solving, respectful communication, decisionmaking, conflict resolution and negotiating strategies. Effective parenting means constantly looking for win-win solutions, rather than winning at the expense of your child. Cooperation is the best way to avoid power struggles and feelings of inadequacy in children, reducing your stress in the process. Jane Nelsen is the founder of the Positive Discipline Methodology programme. London-based educators Joy Marchese and Kristina Bill worked with Jane to co-author the book Positive Discipline for Today’s Busy (and Overwhelmed) Parent: How to Balance Work, Parenting and Self for Lasting Well Being. Published by Harmony Books and available from Amazon at £12.99.
responsibility for your child. This helps to clarify any misunderstandings. When you have different ideas from the other parent do not talk about it when the child is with you. Remember: while the decision to separate is usually what the parents deem best for themselves, the process and consequences need to value and respect what is best for your child.
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What's on
Easter
Activities This Easter why not take part in an egg hunt with a difference? Captain Scallywag has hidden Easter eggs amongst his treasure. Come and join our pirate crew as they search the ship for the hidden booty!
Sun 21st April Easter Eggstravaganza 12.00-16.00 | FREE Whitelee Visitor Centre, G76 0QQ 0141 614 0962 www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/whitelee The Easter Bunny has misplaced his basket of eggs! Can you help him find them? Decorate your egg and take part in our annual egg-rolling challenge! Drop-in. 10th Apr Easter Bunny Hunt 14.00-16.00 | FREE Castlemilk Park, G45 0AZ 01416342673 Our Easter Bunny Hunt is back – join us for an adventure through the woodlands of Castlemilk Park with arts and crafts, games, and duck races along the burn. Fun for all the family. Children should be accompanied by an adult. *NO BOOKING REQUIRED* Meet: Outside Castlemilk Stables, 59 Machrie Road, Castlemilk, G45 0AZ. 19th-22nd Apr Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 11.00-16.00 | £2 Pollok House, Tenement House, Holmwood House, Culzean Castle, Geilston Garden Get ready for a long weekend of fun as you and your family discover the special places the National Trust for Scotland looks after. Follow bunny’s clues and complete your adventure to win a delicious chocolatey prize.
19th-22nd Apr Easter Eggsplorer Trails Dumbarton Castle, G82 1JJ www.historicenvironment.scot Can you find all of the clues and complete the challenge when Historic Environment Scotland's Easter Eggsplorer Trail returns? Included in normal admission price. 19th-22nd Apr Family Easter Bunny Breakfast 9.00-10.30 | £8.99/£6.99 Dobbies www.dobbies.com/events After you all enjoy a delicious hot breakfast, colourful crafting activities will commence and children will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny, leaving with a Lindt Chocolate Bunny sweet treat. 19th-22nd Apr Pirate Easter Egg Treasure Hunt Various times | £3 The Tall Ship, G3 8RS 01413573699 www.thetallship.com
20th-22nd Apr Go Wild at Easter 10.30-15.30 | £5/£4 RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond www.rspb.org.uk/lochlomond Bring the whole family along for springtime adventures, nature crafts and an Easter egg hunt at RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond. Explore our paths, go in search of mini-beasts and take part in a treasure hunt in the woods. Drop-in. Wellies are recommended for off path adventurers. 20th-22nd Apr Spring into Easter 11.00-16.00 | £8/£5 (members free) National Museum of Rural Life, G76 9HR Saturday: Lambs, calves, chicks and some unusual spring animals, from skunks to hedgehogs. Sunday: Meet the Easter Bunny, see real rabbits, go on an Easter trail, make some Easter crafts and get guerrilla gardening! Monday: Storytelling fun, from a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in the museum to Beatrix Potter-inspired tales in the kitchen garden.
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What's on
WHAT’S ON
Don't forget to say you say these events in
ONLINE
Your essential guide to family events this April, May, June. We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print. FRI 29th Mar Paper Memories 10.30 & 13.30 | £8.50/£5/£4 7yrs+ Platform, Glasgow G34 9JW 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk With aerial-dance, puppetry and music, this performance uses captivating music and stunning visuals to explore the bright and colourful memories of Tali; a refugee girl arriving in Scotland with her family. The family feels strange and other; desperate to fit in and forget. Tali, told not to remember, slowly finds her memories crumpling and ripping before her eyes. Until her family realize that the only way to be a family in this new place, is to remember. SAT 30th Mar James Campbell : The Hilariously Funny World of... 14.00 | £10/family £35 | 6yrs+ Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock G46 6UG 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk Enjoy the best comedy for kids from the man who invented it! James' show finds The Hilariously Funny Things about everything including pets, yoghurt, bees, and why do we have hair? James Campbell writes the hilarious Boyface books; and performed for children at the Royal Festival Hall, The Royal Albert Hall, and on Broadway. 30th Mar-14th Apr Inflatable Fun City 12.00-18.00 | £7.99 | 2-12yrs Glasgow Green, G1 5DB Don't forget if the weather is damp or wet bring extra clothes and socks hopefully we won't be needing it this year! PLEASE BE AWARE: There will be queues at peak times! FREE entry for adults. 1st Apr Wizard School 9.30, 12.00 & 14.30 | £15 | 6yrs+ Cottiers, G11 5PU 07813246160 www.hootsowls.com This two hour interactive experience includes: Official Acceptance Letter, Enrolement and Sorting, Ceremony, Get up close with a real live owl, Wand Allocation, 4 magical skills lesson with something to take home from each class, Graduation Ceremony and Certificate of Excellence SUN 7th Apr Kids Introduction to Sewing 14.30-17.00 | £35 | 8-15yrs Sew Confident, G3 8ND In just one afternoon your child will become a sewing whizz-kid. To start off everyone will be taught 14 Families Glasgow
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SAT 20 Apr Where’s the Bunny? By Gary Dunn 14.00 | £6.25/5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Gary’s back, but where’s the bunny? It’s Easter time folks and Gary will have you laughing your socks off all the way down the rabbit hole with his magic tricks and Easter Jamboree.
some sewing machine basics. We will then use these new skills to practice on creating some fun felt shapes which will be used again later to decorate their first ever project...a tote bag! Perfect for carrying about all their future makes and sewing accessories! Fabric, juice and biscuits are included in the class price. SUN 7th Apr Easter Baby Disco 10.00 & 13.00 | £4 | 0-4yrs Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock G46 6UG 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk There's still plenty of time for Easter holiday fun as your little ones take to the floor to dance, play games and sing songs! Come in your best Easter outfit and boogie to the beat! 11-14 Apr The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice Various times | from £20.50 SEC, Glasgow G3 8YW Audiences will relive the magic and memories of their favourite Disney animated films : join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they venture through a treasure-filled journey bound for heart-warming adventure. Featuring more than 50 Disney characters, this production includes the box office smash hits Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory and Disney’s Frozen. SUN 14th Apr Paper Memories 14.00 | £5 | 7yrs+ Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock G46 6UG 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk Paper Memories uses captivating music and stunning visuals to bring to life memories of wedding parties, chasing chickens and dancing in the air with birds.
Written by Mariem Omari and directed by Rachael Macintyre, Paper Memories takes the audience on a visual journey exploring the importance of memories, and how they make us who we are. TUE 16th Apr The Whirlybird 10.30 & 13.30 | £8.50/£5/£4 3-7yrs Platform, Glasgow G34 9JW 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk The Whirlybird, presented by Eco Drama in association with Platform, is a funny and moving story about a bird that yearns to fly, featuring movement, music, bird song and puppetry. A curious creature, the Whirlybird is ricketieracketie on ground but in flight, a wildlife spectacle – a blizzard of wings, perfect elliptical twirls, a mass of orange and browns and a cacophony of sound! The Whirlybird celebrates the differences that make us unique; meanwhile finding inspiration in nature and exploring the wonder of flight. WED 17th Apr GROW 11am | £8.50/£5/£4 | 3-5yrs Platform, Glasgow G34 9JW 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk It’s the first day of spring, and tiny tendrils of new life are peeping out of the ground, stretching their way into the sunshine and into a riot of glorious colour... Spring is well and truly sprung in this curious, playful and light-hearted springtime adventure! GROW is brought to you by Indepen-dance 4, Scotland’s inclusive professional dance company and the company behind the award-winning 'Four Go Wild in Wellies.' The show will last 35 minutes, including time for free play.
SUN 21st Apr The McDougalls Safari Adventure 14.00 | £7 Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock G46 6UG 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk Get ready to GO WILD with The McDougalls in their brand new live show - Safari Adventure! Join Max, Auntie Aggie and Morag the Rabbit for some musical mayhem as they drive around on the lookout for colourful creatures and critters. From giraffes that laugh to monkeys going bananas - join the gang for a roaring musical adventure for all the family, packed with action songs, live music and audience participation. Come dressed as your favourite animal! SUN 21st Apr Easter Eggstravaganza by Alex the Magician 14.00 | £6.25/5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk An Easter Eggstravaganza with Alex the Magician who will have everyone laughing, giggling and smiling too. He’s sure to conjure up some Easter egg treats and don’t miss the BIGGGG… MAGIC WAND….. 26-28 APR Baby & Toddler Show 10.00-16.00 | £13 SEC Centre, Scottish Event Campus Exhibition Way, Glasgow City Centre G3 8YW www.babyandtoddlershow.co.uk The Scottish Baby & Toddler Show returns to the SEC offering over 150 top brands and unique products at the best prices alongside expert advice to give new and expectant parents everything they need to give their baby the best. Sun 28th Apr Culzean Challenge 11.00-16.00 | from £5.50 Culzean Castle, KA19 8LE www.nts.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Push your limits to the test by taking part in the annual Culzean Challenge on Sunday 28th April featuring a host of giant inflatables and games! From 10k running challenges to inflatable fun challenges there’s something for everyone! SUN 28 Apr Glasgow Kiltwalk Glasgow Green, G1 5DB 01416117919 www.thekiltwalk.co.uk Last year over 10,000 Kiltwalkers Strode, Strolled and Wandered across Glasgow and raised over one million pounds for their chosen charities and causes. All three usual Kiltwalk distances will return, choose from a Mighty Stride (approx. 26 miles), a Big Stroll (approx. 13 miles) or the Wee Wander (approx. 6 miles) SAT 4th May May the Fourth Be With You 13.30-15.30 | FREE Kelvin Hall, G3 8AW 01412761450 www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums Kelvin Hall hold regular arts and crafts workshops for kids, come along on Saturday 4th May and get creative on this outer spacethemed event! Discover some astronomical objects and then get creative in this outer spacethemed workshop! 4-7 May Mitzi the House Mouse Various times | £5 | under 6yrs Cumbernauld Theatre, G67 2BN 01236 732887 www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk Mitzi is a mouse. Not the kind of mouse you might imagine though! Mitzi is not a noisy busy running around everywhere mouse. Oh no! Mitzi is a quiet little mouse, who likes nothing better than living a very, very quiet life in her very, very quiet little house. Mitzi mouse doesn’t often go out. Until one day…something unusual happens to make Mitzi’s quiet life not quite so quiet…A special story about always trying your best and helping others with some mischief and magic too. MON 6th May Makaton Treasure Hunt 11.00-15.00 | FREE Whitelee Visitor Centre, G76 0QQ 0141 614 0962 www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/ whitelee Explore the world of Makaton in this treasure hunt. Signs and symbols will be used throughout the event. Ideal for both Makaton users and people just interested in learning about it. Drop-in event. SAT 11th May Looking for Nessie 14.00 | £6.25/5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk The holidays are coming and soon it will be time to look for the Loch familiesonline.co.uk
0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Follow the clues to the Dinosaur Bones in a journey of discovery, fun and conflict surrounding the first fossil finds of the Victorian era. Puppets, projection and shadow theatre create the fascinating world of dinosaurs. A fossil table will be available at the end of the show to study fossils – including Dinosaur Vertebrae and Dinosaur Poo…. loved by all!
Ness Monster? What about Jack, can Angus convince him that Nessie exists? Laughter and fun, including Cheeky Robert and Ben in a Basket, Robert’s ever faithful and very funny dog!
remember to wear old clothes or bring an apron with you - this class can get a little bit messy! Adults must also book a space on the session; minimum one adult per two children.
SAT 11th May Self-Defence Seminar 10.30 | FREE Glasgow Club Drumoyne, G51 4AW 07557771428 www.hokushinmartialarts.com Join us for a free self-defence class for kids and adults designed to give you hints and tips to build confidence and improve awareness. Learn techniques that actually work. A no-nonsense approach to self-defence. You don’t need any experience and you don’t need to be fit to try. So come along and take advantage of this free seminar hosted by the Hokushin Martial Arts Academy. Please contact us on through Facebook or email@ hokushinmartialarts.com to book your place.
SAT 18th May Galoshins 14.00 | £6.25/5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Meet the funniest doctor in town... who is also partial to a wee fish supper! Storytelling at its finest and simplest, utilising puppets, rhyming couplets, audience participation and silence to hook the audience, draw them in and take them on a journey in which fighting is trumped by friendship.
SUN 12th May Under the ABC 13.00-15.00 | from £6 | 10yrs and under The Savings Bank, G5 9JB www.designmynight.com Southside Fringe Festival: Join Merman Tom at The Savings Bank for an afternoon of storytelling and sing a long at this cabaret just for kids! The "not so little merman" will be reading empowering and diverse stories for kids as well as singing some of his favourite songs from Disney that will get your toes tapping and singing a long in no time. Show lasts approx 45 mins followed by meet&greet. This is also a safe space for kids and adults to express themselves and be as creative as they want, so feel free to dress up as little or as much as you want. SAT 18th May Family Crafts 10.00 & 15.00 | FREE | 0-5yrs Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock G46 6UG 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk As part of BBC's Get Creative Festival, come and join us for our Family Crafts class! Materials will be provided for the workshop, but
24-25th May Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom Various times | from £17.15 Theatre Royal Glasgow, Glasgow G2 3QA www.atgtickets.com Join Ben & Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family! 27 May The Story Shop 11.00 & 12.45 | £4 | 2-4yrs Cumbernauld Theatre, G67 2BN 01236 732887 www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk Let your little ones imaginations go wild with our interactive storytelling sessions. Come and hear colourful characters brought to life as we explore imagined worlds, with plenty opportunity to play and discover. All sessions last around 45 minutes and are designed for little listening ears, combining storytelling and creative play, with a wee chance to join in too! SAT 1st Jun Dinosaur Detectives 14.00 | £6.25/5.95 | 5yrs+ Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF
5-9 Jun Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors AND Awful Egyptians Various times | from £13 | 5yrs+ King's Theatre Glasgow, Glasgow G2 4JN 0844 871 7648 www.atgtickets.com We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for two amazing shows with Horrible Histories live on stage! Using actors and groundbreaking 3D special effects, these two astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips! SUN 9th Jun Gromit Model Making Workshop 10.00, 12.30 & 15.30 | £10 | 7yrs+ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow G2 3NY 0141 353 8000 Carrot Productions have teamed up with Aardman, the creators of Wallace & Gromit, to offer some model making workshops where you can try your hand at making your very own Gromit. These provide the perfect opportunity to learn from the experts, take your masterpiece home and have a go at animating it using Aardman’s easy to use Animate It! software. You’ll also get a rare chance to ask questions about Aardman Studios from one of their expert model makers. These workshops provide a creative, fun and hands-on activity for all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Both adults and children must have a ticket to attend. 11-16 Jun Zippos Circus Various times | from £7.50 Queens Park G42 The Zippos Circus 2019 show is called 'The Magnificent Top Hat' as we celebrate the World's Greatest Ringmaster! Incredibly, it has been 21 years since Norman Barrett MBE first performed in Zippos Circus. Norman will present a spectacle like no other as astonishing acrobats and aerialists, amazing contortionists, clever comics and daredevil motorcyclists come together for this year’s magnificent production. Don't forget to say you saw these advertised in
Families Glasgow 15
Divorce with dignity. For a happier future. Separation and divorce can be a painful, stressful experience which may continue to have a damaging effect on you and your family’s emotional and financial wellbeing. But there’s a better way. Scullion L AW offer a collaborative and a non-confrontational approach to agreeing the legal, financial and practical arrangements for your separation and divorce. It’s less adversarial, with no court battle, and more focused on positive solutions. For more information please contact our highly skilled, experienced and accredited Family Lawyer Judith Higson.
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Be the host with the toast! Every day, 10 women die giving birth in Sierra Leone. But Nurse Judith was there for Tenneh and her beautiful baby boy, Ansumana. Be the host with the toast at your toddler group and give more mums an equal chance at life. Order your free Big Brekkie pack today. caweek.org/bigbrekkie
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