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IN THIS ISSUE
Education Family life New Year, New You
January/February 2022
Familiesonline.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk January/February 1
NEWS
Help fund vital brain tumour research Join Wear A Hat Day! Did you know brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer? This is an unacceptable fact which leading charity, Brain Tumour Research is determined to change. Join thousands of children, parents and teachers on Friday 25 March for Wear A Hat Day – a great way to bring people together and raise vital March sees the arrival of Brain funds Brain Tumour Research. Tumour Awareness Month. Coming towards the end of the month, Register your school, community or several celebrities will be lending family event today HERE and you’ll their support to the incredible receive a free fundraising pack. hattastic Wear a Hat Day campaign. The latest set of collectable Wear A Hat Day pin badges have a regal theme in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. Order your box of badges to sell when you register! Funds raised from Wear A Hat Day will help towards establishing a new Research Centre of Excellence.
Danny Clarke
Dame Sheila Hancock DBE
Caprice Bourret
Sarah Beeny
www.wearahatday.org MARCH 2022
2 January/February
#WearAHatDay
Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland)
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CONTENTS
In this issue
Welcome
2 4 10 12 13 16 18 22 24
Happy New Year everyone! Let’s hope 2022 is an easier year for everybody.
News Education Clubs & classes What’s on Activities Tween New Year, New You Early years Family life
If you’ve made a resolution to prioritise your health this year, then plan to change ‘just one thing.’ Find inspiration in our New Year, New You feature.
Get in touch Competition winners from our September/October issue Sally Garbutt, Joanne Banks, Petra Dias, Frankie Salter, Nichola Woad, Cindy Baldwin, Alina Ali, Cherelle St Hilaire, Gemma Lovegrove and Farrah Orr who received a Tales of Me book and to Hina Wajahat, Claire Goodfellow and Fran Dobbins who received an Art Lab Pouring Studio. And, for the recipients of plasticine gifts or Equazen family packs, click here.
Learn to read, write &
new in 2021!
ol ve
In Education, discover how children learn to write and download our free practice sheets. Concerned your child may not be ready for SATs? Find out how to help. And cheer up the dull winter months with some great activity and entertainment options. Finally, with our children’s mental health always at the top of our priority list, we have Happiness is…Mental Health Activity Packs for kids to give away. So don’t forget to apply! And sign up HERE to receive every issue of this magazine free to your inbox.
music with
Venue-based Keyboard Tuition
4 5-8 9-12 years Small groups Free trial!
Home Keyboard Tuition 5-8
7oaks
9-12 years
Step by step videos at your own pace!
www.funkymonkey.info 01732 457 100 Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 3
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
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EDUCATION
Show your child how to hold a pencil Watch video!
Developing handwriting skills
By Catherine Lynch
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
Improve your child’s study skills Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning. To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a free assessment. Sevenoaks Study Centre Mandy Yarnold 01342 851 221
Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.
January/February 5
EDUCATION
Meet the Head Principal Roland Gooding at Valence School Valence School is a wellestablished special school for students aged 4-19 with physical disabilities and complex medical needs. Principal Roland Gooding speaks to Families Magazine about the privilege of running a special school. What was your journey to becoming Principal at Valence School?
independence in everything that they do; My first teaching appointment Positive - students focus on what after graduation as a teacher was they can do to develop as an as Science teacher at Valence. individual, not on what they cannot I subsequently became deputy principal of a special school in Devon do because of their disability; and headteacher of a special school Passionate – students are encouraged to find and develop their in Suffolk before being appointed own range of interests and to express Principal at Valence – a post I have been delighted to hold for the past 29 themselves as they wish in support of their learning. years! How would you describe the ethos of Valence School?
What are the plans for the school?
Our ethos is for our students and staff but we promote it beyond the School as it represents the very best in human society. Students are encouraged to be:
This year the School will be celebrating its 70th anniversary, so 2021-22 is our Platinum Jubilee (something we share with Her Majesty The Queen!). Once things hopefully improve with the pandemic we hope to have a great celebration and mark this extraordinary achievement.
Respectful – we respect the right, needs and views of others and support each other; Resilient - students take risks and view failure as a learning opportunity. We are encouraged not to give up easily and always try our best; Independent - students oversee their own learning and are provided with a wide range of support to enable 6 January/February
Read the full interview HERE. Valence School is based in Westerham. To arrange an informal visit, call 01959 562156, email or visit the website HERE. Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Win a Gingersnap Balance Bike Ages worth 2 to 4 years £119! Perfect to get little adventurers started!
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January/February 7
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+
8 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.
Ages 2-11
Play n’ Grow Holiday Club Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge
Themed craft ✸ cooking ✸ games ✸ outdoor play ✸ trips 8am to 6pm Mon-Fri throughout school holidays (ex Bank Hols)
07727 692645 E: play.growholidayclub@gmail.com Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 9
CLUBS & CLASSES
Class and club ideas for 2022 Kids looking for something a bit different to try in 2022? Check out our ideas.
Chess
Rock climbing
Fencing
Trampolining
Parkour
Archery
Table tennis
Sailing
Skating
10 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
Happy, Confident New Year from Perform Perform, the UK’s biggest centrally run drama school, is getting 2022 off to a flying start with a new term of classes focusing on building confidence and social skills. How have your children adjusted after the pandemic? Many have struggled to reconnect and reestablish their old friendships and confidence. Child psychologist and author, Linda Blair, says that classes like these: “can help children recover from social isolation as they encourage communication and effective social interactions. Drama helps a child’s ability to understand and interpret things like eye contact and can help in countless other ways both socially and cognitively.” Fortunately, Perform classes are packed with confidence-boosting drama-based games and activities, allowing every child to shine as we explore two exciting termly themes. Children ages 4 to 7 will trek off on a jungle adventure while ages 7 to 12 enjoy a thrilling adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. What’s more, Perform’s jungle theme becomes a West End musical during February half-term, featuring a professional adult cast, stunning costumes and fabulous music. Click HERE for more details. Book a no-obligation FREE trial at a local class HERE, or call 020 7255 9120. Familiesonline.co.uk
Perform is offering Families Kent readers a special £40 introductory discount on bookings made by 7 February – just quote KE70222. Local Kent Perform Venues: Ashford: Singleton Village Hall, TN23 5LB Faversham: West Faversham Community Centre, ME13 7RH Kings Hill: Kings Hill Community Hall, ME19 4LG Langton Green: Langton Green Village Hall, TN3 0JJ Maidstone: St Pauls Church, ME14 2AN Rainham: The Oast Community Centre, ME8 7SG Riverhead: Riverhead Village Hall, TN13 2EL Sevenoaks: The Parish Church of St Luke, TN13 1XT Tonbridge: St John’s Church Centre, TN11 9HT Tunbridge Wells: Christ Church Centre, TN1 1UT January/February 11
WHAT’S ON
What’s on
Please check with the venue before visiting to ensure events are still going ahead and the venues are open. Until 30 January Percy the Park Keeper’s winter wander trails Sissinghurst and Scotney Castle Treat your little ones to a world of adventures with Percy the Park Keeper’s winter wander trail.
Wed 9–Mon 28 February Snowdrop Walk Hever Castle & Gardens Wrap up warm and stroll through the gardens and enjoy the early blossoms of snowdrops, camellia, and quince.
Weekends & School Holidays Falconry Displays Leeds Castle Breath-taking free flying falconry displays. The shows features a range of birds including Hawks, Falcons and Owls.
Sat 12–Sun 20 February Half Term Explorer Quest Dover Castle Track down the clues and solve the puzzles as you follow the family trail through the grounds of Dover Castle and enjoy a brilliant day out in history.
Tue 8–Mon 28 February Gaia Rochester Cathedral Gaia features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface. See our planet on this scale, floating in threedimensions.
Sat 12–Sun 20 February Nature Week Hever Castle & Gardens Enjoy the great outdoors and find out more about wildlife as part of Nature Week at Hever Castle.
To advertise your business with us in our March/April issue, call Amanda on 07835 848066 or email. 12 January/February
FAMILY THEATRE EM Forster Theatre 6 February Comedy Club 4 kids A comedy club but without the rude bits! Ages 6+. 25 February Singalong Sound of Music Sing along in this subtitled version of the classic musical. Fortune Theatre Mon 14-Sun 20 February Jungle Rumble Jungle Rumble tells the story of ancient elephant Eeli, shy zebra Zella and cheeky monkey Boo, as they journey deep into the heart of the jungle to rescue Snow, the last white lion, from the evil Lord Braggard. Gulbenkian Canterbury Fri 21–Sun 23 January Hibernation Audience members are
encouraged to bring a favourite blanket and cuddly friends. Ages 3-7. The Marlow Theatre Canterbury Tue 15-Sat 19 February The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Ages 6+. The Orchard Theatre Dartford Wed 26-Sun 30 January Oi Frog & Friends! Join FROG, CAT and DOG. Expect songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at. Ages 3+. Fri 18 February Fireman Sam Live! Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. Familiesonline.co.uk
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
Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 13
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
14 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 15
TWEEN
Best skincare products for tweens We asked our friends at wearetwixt for their round up of some of the best, tween-friendly zit-zapping cleansers that avoid chemicals that can be abrasive on young, delicate skin. TROPIC Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum (£42) A gentle serum with pre-biotics builds the skin’s defences and fights acne. Olivia (12) says: ‘I put this on twice a day. It cleared my spots completely. Absolutely amazing!’ Olivia’s mum says: ‘Pricey but a little goes a long way.’ Pixi Glow Tonic (£10) Lightweight, gentle exfoliating serum which hydrates and boosts radiance. 100% chemical-free and beautifully gentle for young skin. Olivia (12) says: ‘I use this every evening and it makes my skin feel completely clean.’ Olivia’s mum says: ‘‘This has been brilliant for Olivia’s skin.’ 16 January/February
LUSH Tea Tree Water (£6) and LUSH Grease Lightning (£8) Tea tree water cleanses and helps banish spots. Grease Lightning cleanses and helps combat infection and further redness. Olivia (12) says: ‘I love how fresh these products are and how clean they feel.’
TROPIC Clear Skin BlemishFighting Mask (£20)
Designed to control the levels of sebum in the skin, preventing spots forming. Kills bacteria, draws out toxins, closes pores and soothes sore skin. Olivia (12) says: ‘My skin is sensitive and can get dry and this is so gentle and soothing. It lasts for ages too.’ Familiesonline.co.uk
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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*while stocks last. T&C’s apply.
January/February 17
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 18 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
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 19
HEALTH
How CBT can help children with anxiety By Lilly Sabir As both a clinical therapist and a mother, I know from personal and professional experience how important it is to help our children understand, identify and support their own mental wellbeing. Studies suggest that the earlier children are empowered with the resources needed to improve the way they think, the earlier positive foundations are laid that they can build on throughout their lives. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is identified as the most effective therapeutic intervention in managing anxiety. When your child expresses feeling tiredness or pain, this can be one of the most demonstrative signs they are anxious - somebody or something has triggered an emotional response within them. Children don’t know how to express and articulate emotional language in the early years but this improves with age. Tummy aches, headaches and ‘something is hurting’ is often a child’s way of saying whatever is going on around them has caused them stress. They need to calmly be helped to cope with that pain, using fun ways that can help them tap into the sensations occurring in their bodies and minds. 20 January/February
It’s important to recognise when a child needs therapeutic intervention, rather than masking their emotional problems and hoping they will grow out of them; the earlier the intervention, the more effectively treatments can work. If you have a child who is suffering with anxiety-related issues, find out more about some child-friendly CBT techniques that you can use to help them. READ MORE
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FOOD
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
Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 21
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 22 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
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 23
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.
24 January/February
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FAMILY LIFE
Moving on after separation and divorce By Adele Ballantyne At Only Mums and Only Dads, we get many emails expressing concern at the way an ex-partner has introduced their new partner to the children. Often these emails report that the children have become upset as a result. So we asked Adele Ballantyne for her advice on getting this right.
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Many parents use the time whilst their children are with their other parent to start socialising, keeping it separate from their parenting role initially. Of course, it’s okay to tell your children, especially older ones, offering reassurance if you meet resistance.
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Before dating, I would say that it’s important to take time to heal, to reflect and think about who you are and what you want going forward.
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So, what happens when you want to start socialising and even dating again?
definitely worth discussing and agreeing a plan with your ex-partner about how you would manage the introduction of any new, long-term partner to your children.
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Separating when you have children isn’t easy but as a new ‘normal’ begins to emerge, you may find yourself or your ex-partner starting to think about moving on with the ‘adult’ part of life.
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Magazine January/February 25
FAMILY LIFE
Top car seat suggestions Need a new car seat this year? Kickstart your research with these nine top ADAC safety-approved models.
Joie Spin 360 Group 0+1
Cosy N Safe Merlin 360 Group 0+/1 0 to 18kg. Birth to 4yrs. £200
Up to 18kg. 3mths to 4yrs. £325
Maxi Cosi Axiss Swivelling
Graco Milestone All-in-One Group 0+/1/2/3
Nuna Myti Group 1/2/3
Cosatto Judo Group 1/2/3
Halfords Essential Group 1/2/3
Birth to 18kg. Birth to 4yrs. From £199.
9 to 18kg. 9mths to 4yrs. £139
Joie Baby Bold Group 1/2/3 9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12yrs. £179.99
26 January/February
Birth to 36kg. Birth to 12 yrs. £210
9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12 yrs. £180
Britax Romer Dualfix M i-Size
9 to 36kg. 15mths to 12 yrs. £325
9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12yrs. £40 Familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
Family tech ideas The latest in technological innovation – maybe you can find a bargain in the January sales?
Symfonisk Picture Frame with WiFi Speaker Your favourite sounds from your favourite picture! £179
Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone Enjoy family karaoke at home. £29.99
Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset
Use headset and app to jump into VR. £299.
Facebook Portal - da Vinci miniMaker Illuminator Light Up Smart Video Calling Drone 3D Printer Video call others on their devices with WhatsApp/ Messenger, even if they don’t have Portal. £60.
First-time users 3D printer. Great for young minds and STEM learning. £284.40
Philips NeoPix Easy Heated Throw Perfect for snuggling up Home Projector
For cosy winter nights in. £99.99 Familiesonline.co.uk
with the family. £53
Delivers an amazing light show. USB and batteryoperated remote control. £29.99
Nanit Smart Baby Monitor
Peace of mind. A crystalclear overhead view of your baby’s cot. From £199 January/February 27
ACTIVITIES
Winter boredom busters Virtual fun
Take a ride on a virtual roller coaster. Check out 10 of the best virtual rides. Go on a virtual tour of a zoo, aquarium or science centre. Here’s some of the world’s best. Explore breath-taking scenery with a virtual visit to America’s greatest national parks. Drop in on London - visit a museum, Brick Lane, Houses of Parliament and more. Take a plunge and swim with wild dolphins. Marvel at the magic of nature’s beauty by gazing at the Northern Lights.
Kitchen capers
Try a new cookie recipe, suggestions here. Bonus idea: Set up a camera or smart phone and film a cooking show! Make ice cream in a bag, recipe here. No need for a fancy ice cream maker! Make slime, instructions here. Make some DIY play-dough, recipe here. Have a pizza party, DIY pizza recipes here. Throw an afternoon tea party for the family, see children’s tea party ideas.
Game time
Educational
Learn and play a new card game, here are 12 classic card games.
Conduct a science experiment, find 31 easy science experiments using common household items.
Play family charades. Choose from 100s of ideas with this online random charade’s generator.
Put on a family magic show, here are 13 easy tricks to learn. Dice games teach maths and other skills. Here are some great options. Two truths and a lie. Play two truths and a lie, See some childfriendly examples. Have a bingo tournament. Try this online Bingo Card Generator.
28 January/February
Check out the National Literacy Trust’s list of podcasts here.
Have an extra Amazon box laying around? 32 fun, creative, and educational things to do with a cardboard box. Create a message for the present and the future with a Sustainable Development Time Capsule.
Practise a new life skill with your kids, here are 19 life skills you can teach your child at home.
Familiesonline.co.uk