Looking out for your elderly friends and family - FOR YOUR CHILD
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Winter 2021
Looking
out for your
elderly friends
DISCOVER A GREAT READ
FOR YOUR CHILD and family
Welcome
W
ell, another year over and what a year it has been. Thank you to all the
schools and teachers for making the year as normal as possible for our
children. Not an easy task. It has been much appreciated.
In our final magazine of the year, you will find some advice on the importance of teaching
our children to swim. It’s incredible that 25% of children cannot swim more that 25 metres
when they leave Primary School! You will also find some good parent safety advice on the
dreaded social media platforms. The harm some are doing to our children will have lasting
effects into adulthood, we really are turning into the guinea pig generation!
There is also some great advice from the Fire Brigade to keep us safe during the Christmas
period plus how we as parents can help our children with their dreaded homework, plus our
usual reviews of some fantastic new books.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a fantastic Christmas and a very happy
and SAFE New Year. Here’s looking to a brighter 2022!
Andy Forster
Publisher
(If anyone has any editorial ideas please let us know. More than happy to chat further.
It’s you on the front line after all)
andy@allabout-family.net
2 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allabout
For up-to-date events on-the-go, AVAILABLE ON
download our mobile app
Search for ‘All About Family’
www.allabout-family.co.uk
info@allabout-family.co.uk
Publisher
Andy Forster p14
Editorial
Ofsted, Lois Wignall, Kerry Mawdsley,
Ethan Barker, NSPCC, National Fire
Chiefs Council
All About Family,
Shakespeare House,
37-39 Shakespeare Street,
Southport, PR8 5AB
Tel: 01704 531888
Design
Stacey Potter at Spott Creative
www.spottcreative.co.uk
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure
that the information in this publication is accurate,
neither the publisher or the editorial contributors can
accept any liability to any party for loss or damage
caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence,
accident or any other cause. The content of this
publication, in part or as a whole, may not be reproduced
in any form without prior permission from the publisher, p20
All About Family. © Copyright All About Family 2020 All
rights reserved.
P04 DISCOVER A GREAT READ
FOR YOUR CHILD
For up-to-date events
on-the-go, download P06 OFSTED
our mobile app P10 STAY SAFE THIS WINTER
P14 NSPCC - THE POWER
Search for OF PANTS
‘All About Family’ P16 EDUCATION: HOMEWORK
P18 SWIMMING - ARE WE
AVAILABLE ON DOING ENOUGH?
P22 MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
IN CHILDREN
P28 EVENTS
@family_allabout | All About Family | www.allabout-family.co.uk | 3
Books
Discover a great read
for your child…
The Twelve The Christmas
Green Days of Carrolls
By Mel Taylor-
Christmas Bessent, Illustrated
By Barry Timms, OUT by Selom Sunu OUT
Illustrated by NOW NOW
Sian Roberts Reading age: 8+
Reading age: 3-6 Wish it could be Christmas
every day?
A fun-filled eco picture book based on the Well, for nine-year-old Holly Carroll and her
classic Christmas song! On the first day of family, it is! Living her merriest life in a house
Christmas, what did Santa see? A star that had with year-round fairy lights and Christmas trees,
broken in three! Christmas spirit is in the air a carol-singing toilet and a diva donkey who
and all the animals are feeling the cheer. But thinks he’s a reindeer, home-schooled Holly
in the excitement, what has happened to the tries to spread cheer wherever she goes. The
forest? There is litter EVERYWHERE! Appalled Christmas Carrolls is a heartwarming, hilarious
by what he sees, Santa writes a letter to his and inclusive tale about the power of spreading
animal friends asking them to clear up. And cheer, the magic of friendship and what really
over the course of twelve fun-filled days, they matters at this most wonderful time of the year.
work together to do just that! Based on the
sing-along festive rhyme The Twelve Days of
Christmas – and the perfect introduction to The Naughtiest
recycling and reusing for a new generation. Unicorn in
a Winter OUT
Wonderland NOW
(The Naughtiest
Beano Dennis Unicorn series, Book 9)
& Gnasher: The By Pip Bird, Illustrated
Abominable by David O’Connell
Snowmenace
By I.P Daley OUT
Illustrator: Nigel NOW Reading age: 6+
Parkinson
It’s time for wintry fun with Mira and Dave
the Naughtiest Unicorn! And this time they
Reading age: 7+ are going on a very special quest to see the
magical winter lights! (Although Dave is more
Dennis and Gnasher are back for another interested in the hot chocolate and chips.) But
BOOMIC adventure. More words than a comic, what lies behind the snowy mountain peaks –
more funny pictures than a book, BOOMIC’s could there really be a terrifying YETI lurking
are pages of pure entertainment. When there …? Pip Bird is the pseudonym for a small
mysterious smelly footprints lead the gang to group of brilliant and funny children’s book
the school kitchen, they find themselves in a writers. They all believe in magic and dream of
race against time to save their best new friend… having a Unicorn Best Friend Forever.
4 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allabout
Winnie-the-Pooh:
Once There Was
a Bear (The Official
95th Anniversary
Prequel): Tales of OUT
Before it all Began… NOW
By Jane Riordan
Feeling Good
Reading age: 5+ About Me OUT
NOW
Ellen Bailey and
These brand-new stories are decorated with
beautiful illustrations of Winnie-the-Pooh and Lesley Pemberton
friends created by Mark Burgess in the style of
E.H.Shepard. He is uniquely suited to this having Reading age: 7-9
also illustrated The Return to the Hundred Acre
Wood and The Best Bear in All the World. Jane This fun book is packed
Riordan has a strong pedigree in writing in the with mindful activities
style of A.A.Milne, having also created Winnie- and prompts to encourage young readers to
the-Pooh Meets the Queen and the re-issue express their emotions, including breathing
edition Winnie-the-Pooh Goes to London. techniques, thoughtful questions, and areas to
This timeless story collection is a real tribute to draw. It is a safe space for children to explore
the world’s most famous bear and the perfect feelings such as low self-esteem and anxiety,
opportunity for everyone to revisit these with practical tips and information presented in
favourite friends and find out how they become a supportive and affirmative way. A wonderful
the larger than life characters that we all know resource for any mindfulness activities teachers
and love. and parents are planning, this book has been
developed in consultation with a children’s
mental health charity, Blue Smile, and a royalty
Monster of UK sales will be donated to the charity.
Hunting for
Beginners
By Ian Mark Raven Winter
Illustrator: Louis By Susanna Bailey OUT
Ghibault NOW
OUT
NOW Reading age: 8+
Reading age: 8+
A brand new novel from
Monster hunting isn’t as easy as it looks. And Susannah Bailey – the
Jack should know. Because an ogre has just bestselling author of Snow
appeared in his garden and tried to eat his Aunt! Foal. Raven winter is a story
After (sort of accidentally) defeating the ogre, of friendship, family and
Jack finds himself apprenticed to a grumpy, the belief in a very special
200 year old monster hunter called Stoop and relationship with a young raven set against
heading off to Cornwall, where more ogres are the beautiful and the wintery backdrop of the
causing havoc! Yorkshire Dales.
@family_allabout | All About Family | www.allabout-family.co.uk | 5
Christmas
Tips
Christmas Eve
tips for a quiet night
A
s special as your little one is finding the
Keeping stockings
Christmas Eve day to be a challenge,
out of the bedroom will
is, watching the remember that this is a
ensure that children
little ones get excited time of huge upheaval are left to a peaceful
for Santa’s arrival, most for them and they may slumber and won’t be
parents have a tricky be feeling displaced disturbed by rustling
time getting their and a little uneasy as you try to creep in
adrenaline-filled children underneath all that quietly.
to the land of nod at hyperactive excitement. Try
bedtime. to stay calm and confident,
Stick to your usual and acknowledge your atmosphere
bedtime routine child’s feelings instead. as afternoon hits.
Stick to your usual pre- Christmas films are often
bedtime routine, whether Keep the stockings out on the agenda too, so plan
it’s a story or a warm bubble of the bedroom these in for the afternoon
bath to get them in the Keeping stockings out of and save the evening for
mood for a good night’s the bedroom will ensure enjoying relaxing activities
sleep. The same goes for that children are left to a like reading Christmas
nap times on Christmas peaceful slumber and won’t books.
Eve, and Christmas Day be disturbed by rustling as Get Some Fresh Air
too. Keeping toddlers or you try to creep in quietly. Exploring nature provides
young children awake can What’s more, the thought of endless opportunities for
cause over-tiredness which a stranger coming into their creative learning, plus
will lead to a more fraught bedroom in the middle of helping youngsters to burn
bedtime for all involved. the night might actually be a off some physical energy
Don’t threaten a no-show little frightening for younger throughout the day can
Threatening that the big man children. really work wonders when it
won’t come might seem like Plan Your Day Well comes to bedtime. “
a good idea at the time but Keep any high octane Many thanks to Munchkin
it can often create chaos escapades for earlier in the products, for supplying
and unnecessary upset. If day and settle into a calm these tips. n
6 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allabout
Instagram
Parent / Carer Advice
What is Instagram? Reasons for concern
Privacy settings
Instagram is a social media platform
A key concern regarding children’s use of Instagram
which focuses on the creation and
is the fact that the default privacy setting for accounts is
sharing of images, providing users
‘public’. As such, unless a child actively alters their privacy
with a range of filters and special
settings, all of the pictures they post to Instagram will be
effects popular among younger
available to anybody. This could result in their images
users.
being seen by inappropriate individuals and might lead to
Despite requiring users to be 13 or receiving unwanted communication.
older, a study in January 2017
indicated that 43% of 8-11 year olds Follower lists
in Britain are using Instagram. In a world where celebrity success is measured by
numbers of social media followers, it is understandable
that children might want to grow their own list of
followers. A child’s non-private account can quickly grow
Safety Tips with followers, some of whom might not have entirely
As with all Internet activity, talk to your child innocent motives.
about how they use Instagram, the importance of
Terms and conditions
not ‘oversharing, and any issues they have faced.
Instagram’s 5,000-word terms and conditions
It is safest to change the default privacy settings states that users agree that Instagram can use and sell
in your child’s account from public to private. If their sell images for others to use (without paying or
your child is older and you agree for them to further consent). Instagram also retains the right to store,
have a public account, you should discuss use and share the personal information and direct
strategies for coping with negative feedback and messages of their users.
for blocking users. You should also monitor
messages they receive. Grooming
Given Instagram’s reported impact on young In 2019 the NSPCC reported that Instagram was
people’s mental health, keep an eye out for early involved in more online grooming cases than any other
warning signs of such issues with your child. Seek online platform. Where the police recorded the method
professional support or consult online services of communication, Instagram was used in 32% of cases,
such as Shout at the earliest in contrast to Facebook at 23% and Snapchat at 14%.
point of concern.
Mental health issues
Regularly spring-clean your child’s Instagram A report by the Royal Society for Public Health
account with them by removing any posts and found that Instagram rated as the worst social media
images you agree are inappropriate and blocking platform when it comes to its impact on young people's
any concerning contacts. If you have any concerns mental health. Being image-centred the RSPH claimed
that somebody might be trying to groom your that Instagram (along with Snapchat) appears to be
child you should immediately driving feelings of inadequacy and anxiety in young
contact CEOP. people.
www.onlinesafetyalliance.org
Online safety education for school staff, pupils and parents
© Online Safety Alliance, 2020
@family_allabout | All About Family | www.allabout-family.co.uk | 7
xxxxxx
Panto
xxx
“I think
everyone loves
a pantomime.
They’re just
magical!”...
T
- Chantelle Nolan
here’s something
really special
about attending
a pantomime with loved
ones and attending one
as a family can really get
the festive excitement
flowing.
It’s a Christmas experience
for individuals wanting to
immerse themselves in
mayhem and mischief.
Pantomimes are famous
for captivating audiences of
all ages. Whether
young or old, there is
something for everyone to
enjoy when revelling in the colourful with larger than Halls explained that, “Panto
extravagance of the yuletide life characters, great songs, is a really fun thing to be a
festive favourite. lots of jokes and plenty of part of... Whether you’re in
“I think everyone loves audience participation.” the audience, on stage or
a pantomime. They’re Panto is a tradition that even behind the curtain, it’s
just magical! They bring seems to be maintaining something really special.
everyone’s favourite fairy- (and gaining) popularity Seeing the audience
tale characters to life on year-upon-year and there getting fully involved in the
stage”, states Chantelle is a whole host of choice performance is one of the
Nolan, Theatre Manager in Merseyside this year to many reasons that I love
at St. Helens Theatre satisfy your panto cravings! being a part of the festive
Royal. “They’re loud and Liz Gatrick from Albert shows at Albert Halls.” n
8 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allabout
What is WhatsApp? Reasons for concern
WhatsApp is a free messaging app. It Group administrators can invite people your child
allows you to send text and multimedia does not know into group chats. Some of these
messages (video, images and voice people may not have innocent intentions or may be older
recordings) to people in the contact list and post age-inappropriate messages.
on your phone. It also allows users to set
Some WhatsApp groups can contain images and
up group chats where the administrators
messages which can cause distress to children.
can invite up to 256 people to share
These might include violent images or videos, abusive
messages and images publicly within the
messages and sexual content.
group. Although the age limit for
WhatsApp was recently raised to 16 it is Chain messages are often shared through
popular with primary age children and WhatsApp. These pressure children to post them on
above. So what are the risks? to their contacts, e.g. by claiming that failure to do so can
result in the child or a family
Safety Tips member dying. Many children
find such messages distressing
As with all Internet activity, talk to your child but also feel they must share
about how they use WhatsApp and any issues they them with others due to fear of
have encountered. the threat.
With your child, look through the groups they are WhatsApp does not allow users to decide whether
members of and discuss any areas of concern you to join a group. Your child will be automatically
have. You may agree that it would be best to added to any groups that their contacts add them to. If
leave the group. your child leaves the group the administrator can add
them straight back in.
Go to the settings (by pressing the three dots in
the top right of the screen) and ensure your Your child may be in WhatsApp groups in which
child’s profile is set to ‘contacts only’. huge numbers of posts are made. The alerts this
generates can be an unnecessary distraction and can
To leave a group: Open the group in WhatsApp. disrupt sleep.
Press the three dots in the top right of the screen
and select ‘Group Info’. Scroll down to ‘Exit group’. WhatsApp‘s default privacy settings are that
anybody can see your child’s profile photo and
If an admin adds your child back into a group they when they were last online.
have left, your child can ask them not to do this. If
WhatsApp ‘dare games’ have become popular
they keep adding them then you can prevent it by
with children. These involve the child making a quiz
blocking the admin. To do this, WhatsApp provide
about themselves to share with others and this can lead
the following guidance:
to oversharing of personal information which can be
publicly available.
Children can add and then remove other children
from groups as a form of exclusion and bullying.
www.onlinesafetyalliance.org
Online safety education for school staff, pupils and parents
© Online Safety Alliance, 2020
@family_allabout | All About Family | www.allabout-family.co.uk | 9
Fire
News
Stay safe this Winter
T
he days are to give you some handy equipment.
shorter, the pointers on how to keep We know many of you
temperature is you and your family safe this will be looking forward to a
dropping and the frost is winter. ‘normal’ Christmas after the
starting to form and that Firefighters were called difficulties we have faced
means winter is here. At to 329 accidental fires in over the last 18 months, but
this time of year, we tend the home in the home it’s really important that fire
to take steps to make our between October 2020 and safety remains a priority – a
homes warm and cosy, but the end of February 2021, fire in the home is the last
in doing so we can open with cooking-related fires, thing anybody needs right
ourselves up to dangers and smoking-related fires and now.
greater risk of fire. domestic appliances the Follow these top tips
That’s why we’ve teamed most common causes. A to make sure your home
up with Merseyside Fire number of these fires were heating methods don’t risk
& Rescue Service (MFRS) also caused by heating a fire. n
✁
10 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allaboutLooking out for your elderly
friends and family
✁
W
e should be as a cheaper option. fire can be the difference
looking out You can play your part by between life and death.
for our elderly making sure your elderly If you hear a smoke
relatives, friends and relatives, friends and alarm, either as a resident
neighbours all year neighbours have working or a neighbour, take action
round but it’s particularly smoke alarms. Many immediately and call 999. If
important that we do so Merseyside residents will you suspect a fire, get out,
at this time of year. be eligible for free smoke stay out and call 999. n
Older residents can be alarms, particularly those
Make sure you follow these
particularly at risk of fire in over 65. You can look
smoke alarm top tips:
their homes, especially as after your elderly friends, Install at least one smoke
they may still be using old neighbours and relatives by alarm on every level of your
home
appliances or may not be calling 0800 731 5958 to
The ideal position is on the
able to check their smoke arrange a free Home Fire ceiling, in the middle of a
alarms on a weekly basis. Safety Check and to ask for room or on a hallway or
landing
The cold is not kind to fire safety advice. Consider fitting additional
elderly relatives who can Don’t ignore your alarms in other rooms where
struggle to keep their homes neighbours’ smoke alarms! there are electrical appliances
and near sleeping areas
warm – check they are cosy It’s really important that Don’t put alarms in or near
through the winter months you take action if you hear kitchens and bathrooms
where smoke or steam can
and that their windows and a neighbour’s smoke alarm
set them off by accident
doors don’t let in the draft. and call 999 if you suspect Test your smoke alarms every
Also, make sure that they a fire in a nearby property week
Replace your smoke alarms
are not using unsafe heating – a delay in alerting the
every ten years.
methods which may be used emergency services to a
@family_allabout | All About Family | www.allabout-family.co.uk | 11Fire
News
Don’t let fire ruin the festivities
W
hether the important throughout the safety markings. If the
highlight of year, the extra distractions of certification mark is only
the festive Christmas make it especially on the packaging and not
season is spending time important to be vigilant. on the product, there’s a
with loved ones, the Most house fires start in good chance it’s fake. And
exchanging of gifts, the kitchen – take extra care remember, do not use
decorating your home when cooking the Christmas foreign appliances in UK
both inside and out dinner and preparing food sockets if they haven’t been
or tucking into that over the festive period. converted for UK use.
delicious Christmas Decorations and heating You can protect
dinner, this really is the can also be fire hazards over yourselves, as well as
most wonderful time of Christmas and the general your family and friends,
the year. winter period so please take by following some simple
There is so much to think extra care. safety advice.
about as we edge closer If you’re turning to online The most important thing
to the main event, but one marketplaces for electrical of all though is to make
thing Merseyside Fire & items this year – whether it sure you have at least one
Rescue Service is urging be for gifts or for electrical working smoke alarm on
Merseyside residents to put Christmas decorations – each level of your home
at the top of their Christmas make sure what you are – these should be tested
lists this year is fire safety. buying is legitimate and weekly! n
While fire safety is safe. Check products for
From
everyone at
Merseyside
✁
Fire & Rescue
Service, we
wish you all
a very happy,
healthy
and safe
Christmas.
12 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allaboutTikTok
Parent / Carer Advice
What is TikTok? Reasons for concern
TikTok is a social media app where users TikTok has a minimum age rating of 13 and anybody
share short video clips of 15 seconds under 18 should have parental permission to use
duration. It started out as an app named the app. However, new users simply enter a date of birth
‘Musically’ and was used to share videos to indicate their age and there are no verification steps. As
of dancing and lip-syncing to music. Much such, children of any age can create an account by using a
of the content on TikTok still reflects false date of birth.
these origins, but popular videos now also
include pets, makeup, magic tricks, New users will be shown a range of video clips the
fashion, art, people reacting to situations, app feels may be of interest. Many of these will
etc. According to OSA research, TikTok is quickly expose users to offensive language which will be
now as widely used by 11-14 year olds as inappropriate for children.
SnapChat and Instagram.
The clothing worn and the type of dancing in some
videos could be deemed sexualised and therefore
Safety Tips something that might be inappropriate for younger users
As with all Internet activity, talk to your child to be exposed to.
about how they use TikTok and any issues they
have encountered. The default privacy settings in the app are
Discuss whether it would be best to change your concerning. Although only friends can send users
child’s account to private to avoid interactions direct messages, the videos posted by users can be seen
with non-friends. If you agree to keep the account by anybody and anybody can like / comment on the
public you should discuss strategies for coping videos. New users are also available for anybody to
with negative feedback and for blocking users. perform a musical duet with. Such default settings can
leave children vulnerable to unwanted communication
Help your child to spring clean their account from from others.
time to time by removing videos you agree to be
inappropriate. Many children in the UK are posting videos to
Ensure your child knows not to TikTok where they are wearing their school
post videos in their school uniform, making it possible for strangers to identify their
uniform. Also discuss how location.
recording videos at school might
break school rules and what the The nature of videos children are posting to TikTok
consequences could be. (singing, dancing, etc) can leave them vulnerable to
receiving negative comments which can have an impact
The TikTok settings allow you to on mental health.
set a time limit for how long
each day you want your child to The company that owns TikTok is facing legal issues
be able to use the app. This can and stands accused of illegally collecting data on
be password protected to ensure children (when it was Musically) and the app has been
they stick to the limit. deemed a ‘potential security risk by the FBI’.
www.onlinesafetyalliance.org
Online safety education for school staff, pupils and parents
© Online Safety Alliance, 2020
@family_allabout | All About Family | www.allabout-family.co.uk | 13NSPCC
The Power of PANTS
T
he NSPCC’s first donated for their support.
ever children’s Their efforts will help to
book, Pantosaurus change children’s lives for
and the Power of the better. Our Talk PANTS
PANTS, has hit the messaging, resources such
shelves and will support as the new book and existing
families to have simple online music video help
conversations with their support parents to explain to
children, to help keep children how they can speak
them safe from sexual out about anything that
abuse. This very special makes them uncomfortable,
book has been designed for and give them the
children aged 5 to 9 years of confidence to do that.
age with vital safeguarding made possible following a The new book, written
messages at its heart. It is crowdfunding campaign by Rebecca Girlings and
all the more extraordinary that took place last illustrated by Fhiona
because our journey to this year which saw NSPCC Galloway and Jamie Nash
point has been a real joint supporters raise £46,440 features the NSPCC’s yellow
effort. for the project. I can’t thank cuddly dinosaur Pantosaurus
The book was only enough all those who who is celebrating his
14 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allabout5th birthday this year. In
the book, Pantosaurus is
getting a new pair of pants
and Dinodad tells him that
they will give him special
powers. Pantosaurus then
experiences a problem at
school and just as Dinodad
told him, his super pants give
him the power to speak up.
The book will help children
learn about the PANTS rules,
from P through to S, each
letter of PANTS provides a
simple but valuable rule -
that their private parts are
private, their body belongs
to them, and that they
should tell an adult they The PANTS rules: PANTS stands for...
trust if they’re worried or
● Privates are Private
upset. We’ve actually been
talking PANTS since 2013, ● Always remember your body belongs to you
to ensure children are
● No means no
given this vital information,
which is shared using ● Talk about secrets that upset you
age-appropriate language
● Speak up, someone can help
and a catchy music video
by our dinosaur mascot,
Pantosaurus. The video is
available on our YouTube
page and online at
www.nspcc.org.uk As well
as being fun, it has a serious
message to give children
essential information and
confidence. Since Talk
PANTS was launched, the
video has been viewed
more than 2.3 million times, the new book from selected NSPCC shop and all profits
sparking more than 1.5 Matalan stores or at Matalan. from the sale of this book
million conversations. You co.uk, selected Blakemore will support the NSPCC’s
can pick up your copy of Retail SPAR stores or our vital work. n
@family_allabout | All About Family | www.allabout-family.co.uk | 15Education
Homework
D
oes nagging,
stress and arguing Homework is also a good way to enforce
seem like an self-discipline, time management and
all-too familiar routine organisation – skills which are learnt and built
when trying to get your upon when physically practiced, and homework
children to complete proves itself as an excellent medium.
homework? It isn’t as
simple as casting a spell, reinforce information learnt times for homework to be
or waving a magic wand, throughout the day and completed after the school
but getting your children allows more practice for day with your child. Do
to complete their information to lodge itself not enforce and set a time
homework can be made firmly in our grey matter. yourself (although, do set
easier. Homework is also a good an agreed cut-off point!), let
Although we may class way to enforce self- them choose – it allows for
it as a burden especially discipline, time management the practice of organisation
when searching the house and organisation – skills and time management,
top-to-bottom for an ‘I which are learnt and built and also sets a basis of
think I completed it’ piece upon when physically independence of which to
of work when in a rush practiced, and homework complete homework upon.
to leave, there is a reason proves itself as an excellent Allow time for fun and
behind homework – it medium. rewarding activities once
wasn’t intended to cast Create a homework homework is completed.
misery upon all in its routine which children will A homework routine
wake. It is a great tool to follow. Discuss possible will lead into habit once
16 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allaboutwork – it’ll only lead to a
shouting match! Remind
your child of what was
agreed and remind them of
the good work they have
done in the past and what
they can do to do better
next time. Ask them if they
are struggling with any
aspects of the homework
set – homework highlights
practiced – don’t slip out assignment! what our children are doing
of it! Remove distractions Encourage your child to well at, and what they may
from an agreed place to let you know about their be doing not so great at, in
complete homework, progress. No doubt they and out of the classroom.
such as the kitchen table will inform you when they They may need more
or somewhere else quiet have completed a task to hands-on help, whether it
and comfortable. Replace a high standard and have is from you, or guidance
homework responsibility received praise for it from from a teacher on a more
from yourself to your child. a teacher. This will show thorough basis. Get to the
It may seem hard, but it is that homework and their bottom of the problem,
crucial that your child learns progress is something you but never complete the
that the consequences for are interested in, yet also homework yourself; give
not completing homework maintaining a sense of guidance, as eliminating
are determined by their own independence. Praise your your child from their own
actions. This is a conscious children for completing learning path can be more
approach for teaching your tasks, but do not scald poor damaging than helpful. n
child how to be responsible.
Providing that you are
creating a positive and
structured environment to
complete homework and
a defined plan of action,
homework incomplete is a
child’s responsibility; as are
the consequences! Teachers
are usually unimpressed
with incomplete tasks and
upon seeing their teacher’s
reaction; your child will
most probably complete
their next homework
@family_allabout | All About Family | www.allabout-family.co.uk | 17Swimming
e w e d o ing eno ugh?
Swimmin g – A r
S
wimming as we parents taking them enough fitness especially in babies,
all know is a life and are we teaching them enabling then to move and
skill that everyone properly? Swimming is great breathe better resulting in
should have, but nearly for child development. significant improvement
half of all children It is a unique sensory in overall language and
cannot swim the length experience, which accesses communication skills. With
of a pool by the time they all five senses: sight, hearing, improved coordination
leave primary school. smell, touch and taste. children can pick up other
Why is this? Budget cuts? Swimming even activities quicker like riding
Maybe. Fewer swimming encourages a baby to a bike, horse riding or even
pools? Could be? That meet physical milestones skateboarding.
doesn’t stop us parents more quickly e.g. sitting Research has also found
from taking our children up, crawling, and walking. that swimming encourages
swimming ourselves. As well as being fun, a connection between the
1 in 3 children say swimming can aide in mind and body, stimulating
swimming is their favourite mobility and cardiovascular brain development and
family activity but are we as functions, increasing increasing intelligence. I
18 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allaboutshould go more myself!
Swimming is great for child development.
It’s a great way for
improving fitness without
It is a unique sensory experience, which
putting stress on the skeletal accesses all five senses: sight, hearing,
form as it works the large smell, touch and taste.
muscles of the body, honing
in on gross motor skills and survival skills that will stay amongst children in the UK,
building coordination. with children forever. Most we as parents should be
In babies, swimming importantly, swimming doing our best to give our
has also been accredited lessons are lots of fun! children this life skill. You
with improved eating With drowning now the never know when they will
and sleeping behaviour third highest cause of death need it! n
immediately after a lesson.
It’s never too early to
start swimming lessons
as swimming from a very
early age encourages a
lifetime of physical activity
and wellbeing, providing an
early introduction into other
sports and activities whilst
also highly benefiting baby
development. A child who
has swimming lessons from
an early age will develop
a lifelong confidence
and enjoyment of water.
Swimming lessons teach
life saving water safety and
@family_allabout | All About Family | www.allabout-family.co.uk | 19Health
Healthier Family
Eating Habits
for New Year
I
t is an annual and each member can and making small steps can
right-of-passage to support one another. Take be extremely beneficial.
make diet related a look at our (manageable) Try packing a piece of fruit
resolutions. A new year New Year’s resolutions into your child’s lunch box,
marks a time to get rid which may help guide your offer your child a handful
of the past and to turn family to achieving healthier of blueberries as a snack
over a new leaf – a great eating habits in 2022. or maybe serve some extra
excuse for trying to One more serving of fruit/ vegetables alongside an
incorporate healthier veg per day evening meal. Get creative.
habits into your family’s According to Diabetes UK, Prepare healthy meals
lifestyle. 66% of adults eat three together
Sharing a New Year’s or fewer portions of fruit Preparing healthy meals
resolution as a family and/or vegetables a day. as a family can encourage
can make goals more Incorporating fresh fruit and children to be interested
achievable, as there is a veggies into your family’s in healthy food – children
common ambition shared diet is extremely important are much more likely to
20 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allaboutEating together can help encourage fussy eaters
to try new foods without bribery and coercion
– seeing other members of the family enjoying
enjoy something which their food can be enough persuasion.
they are proud of making
themselves. Preparing meals
together can also encourage Make changes a big difference to everyday
long-term healthier habits. Making small changes to health:
Preparing meals your family’s diet can make Swap sugary drinks for
together gives families the water or milk
opportunity to spend quality Swap chips for some
time with one another. vegetables or homemade
Eat together sweet potato wedges
Eating together can help during your evening meal
encourage fussy eaters Swap unhealthy snacks for
to try new foods without healthy alternatives such
bribery and coercion – as fruit and nuts. We like
seeing other members to swap crisps with celery
of the family enjoying sticks with a tzatziki or
their food can be enough hummus.
persuasion. These aren’t massive
Eating together as a family changes, but if we can all do
is a great way of bonding a little to change a child’s
and can allow families to diet then their health will
reflect on each other’s day. improve immeasurably. n
@family_allabout | All About Family | www.allabout-family.co.uk | 21Motor
Sport
e l o p m e nt
Dev n
in Childre
B
y understanding hopping, skipping & jumping
Motor Development will improve. Improved
we can help our Upper body mobility will
children to develop lead to speed and accuracy
physically to create a solid of their throwing and
foundation of movement. catching. Hitting a ball
This will stand them in with a bat from the floor is
good stead for sport, possible now, as is kicking a
activity and life in general large ball.
What is Motor Reception
Development? By now children will be
According to Wikipedia walking up the stairs like
“Motor development refers adults. Running becomes
to the development of a faster and smother. Hops is their ability to ride a bike.
child's bones, muscles and become Skips. They also Agility is improving, they
ability to move around have more control when can move sideways. Now
and manipulate his or her riding their tricycles you’ll see your child using
environment.” (or bicycles), and can the swing and see-saw
Through The Years drive them faster. Most themselves. They often
Nursery age movement will be in one start jumping rope, skating,
By now children can climb direction: Forwards. hitting balls with bats, and
up stairs using a method of Year 1 so on. Many children of this
bringing both feet together By now children are refining age enjoy learning to play
on each step before all their skills. Their running organized activity such as
proceeding to the next step. speed and accuracy of football, swimming, karate,
As their legs strengthen movement is improving as gymnastics, or dance.
26
22 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allaboutYear 2 and beyond
Up to 5 are the formative
years and are so very
important. From now its
continued refining and
honing of those skills
How can we Help?
Here are some helpful Many children
of this age enjoy
principles we can use
learning to play
to help our children to organized activity
develop. such as football,
swimming, karate,
Keep it varied. Practice
gymnastics, or
makes permanent is a dance.
phrase I like to use a lot with
my athletes. That means
if you practice something
well you’ll become good and on their terms, and always better and more
at it, equally if you practice they’ll be happy to do it beneficial for your child
a move regularly but badly again another time, time and and you when it’s fun. Keep
you’ll be moving badly! time again. the game or activity really
This applies to the types KISS. “Keep it Super Simple”. simple, add silly tasks, use
of movement too. If you Whenever you’re explaining animals or their favourite
practice one movement a an activity, helping them characters and only add
lot then you’ll master that learn a movement or rules when they hit the later
one movement but to the advising them on how to years. Perhaps allow them to
detriment of another. So correct a movement, it decide the goal of the game,
keeping activity varied to is best to be as simple as keep that goal simple, be
include as many different possible. Be to the point. patient and enjoy it. If you’re
focuses as possible will help Don’t use double negatives, not enjoying it chances are
your child develop into an sarcasm, obscure terms and your child isn’t either.
all round physically capable check they understand. In the end your child
little person. When giving feed back will develop according to
Keep it Short. Our children stick to the focus chosen both their DNA and their
are sponges for knowledge and avoid overloading your environmental stimulus,
and learning. They also have child with extra information. so as parents it’s our job to
a short attention span. There This will only lead to expose them to as many
is no better way to put a confusion and a negative movements as we can, keep
child off doing something by experience. Stay on task it fun, simple and to enjoy
making it tedious and long until it is well practiced the time we get to spend
winded. They’ll get bored, before moving to the next together.
dislike it, and not make any task. Written by Coach George
progress. Keep it short, fun Have Fun. Learning is from Crossfit ASG
@family_allabout ||
@family_allabout All About
All About Family
Family || www.allabout-family.co.uk 27
www.allabout-family.co.uk || 23Stress
all enges of going
o w p a re nts c a n handle the ch
H
‘back to school’ after a year away due to covid
I
know we are half way toilet often, clinging and thumb sucking. Being
through the school (being unwilling to let an aware of some of the signs
year but with new adult out of sight), anger, will mean that the parent
variant of Covid about, crying, whining, aggressive can respond quicker to any
some children will be behaviour, stubborn distress the child may be
feeling the pressure of behaviour, going back experiencing.
going back to school to behaviours from a Comfort zone VS
after the Christmas younger age, beginning stretch zone
break. to lie, beginning to bully, Take some time to notice
Symptoms of stress and overreacting to minor your child’s common stress
anxiety in children problems, skin picking, factors. Being in tune with
Stress manifests differently pulling hair out, nail biting, this can help you spot
within children compared stressful situations early
to adults and so it's useful and reduce the stress more
to become familiar with quickly. School can be
the signs. Symptoms can stressful for children (and
include an upset stomach parents) because there are
or vague stomach pain, lots of new stretches all
other physical symptoms at once. What stretches
with no obvious illness, new do you expect your child
or recurrent bedwetting, to experience? Think
nightmares, using the about places, people, and
24 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allaboutactivities. Because your
child will be very stretched
at school, you can help
them to rest and relax by
encouraging them to do
comfort zone activities
when they get home.
Communication is key
The way that you
communicate with your
child is critical for their
own communication skills,
ability to self-express and
the development of the
bond between you. When Take some time to notice your child’s common
speaking about sources stress factors. Being in tune with this can help
of challenge, stress, and you spot stressful situations early and reduce
anxiety you have an the stress more quickly. School can be stressful
excellent opportunity for children (and parents) because there are lots
to help your child into of new stretches all at once
a confident problem
solver. Active listening, As children are also Other activities and
learning to label emotions, exposed to concerning news techniques
acknowledging your child’s stories and conversations Exercise, laughter, affection,
emotions, encouraging regarding Covid, it can be and mindfulness are great
realistic expectations, and useful to have set questions, stress-busting tools.
praising progress are all key responses or statements Techniques such as body
to enable a helpful adult ready to discuss with a scanning (taking time to
response. It is important to worried child. For example, notice how each part of
pay attention to the good sentences reinforcing how the body is feeling), belly
stuff, whilst also challenging germs are a normal part breathing (breathe in through
the worry itself, before of life and that we can do their nose and out through
planning on how you can things to stay healthy are their mouth, focusing on
move forward. When you very useful. Showing children how their belly moves up
are discussing serious basic hygiene practices and down), and object
topics with your child, try before starting school such focusing (get your child to
to frame it in the positive as how to wash their hands sit for a minute or two and
– this means focusing on and use sanitiser can also stare at an object – focusing
the good outcome that you help. This can be made into a on one thing) can also help
want rather than the bad fun activity by having a song children to find their calm.
outcome you are trying to / rhyme to support good Written by Youssef Darwich,
avoid. hand washing. Co-Founder at Hapi Plan
@family_allabout | All About Family | www.allabout-family.co.uk | 25Crafts
Christmas
Decorations
What
you ’ll nee
•5xp
opsicle d:
• PVA sticks
Glue
F
ollow these simple instructions to make a fun Christmas • Sequ
ins
tree decoration using lollipop sticks. You can make lots of • Strin
g
different shapes and use lots of bright colours. You can
make them just for fun, or make them into special Christmas
decorations for your family and friends.
By Lauren and Aqulia
Step 3: Continue until you
have created this star shape
Step 2: Glue another using all 5 popsicle sticks
popsicle
Step 1: Glue two popsicle stick as shown above
to begin
and leave to dry.
sticks together at one end to create your star sha
pe.
to make a triangle shape.
Step 4: Once dry,
you can decorate
your star with glitter
and sequins (or any-
thing else you like)
Step 5: Tie a piece of string
through the top point of
the star, and hang on your
Christmas tree, or anywhere
you’d like to spread some
Christmas cheer.
For more fun crafts follow Aqulia
on @aquilaexplores
26 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allaboutSnapchat
Parent / Carer Advice
What is Snapchat? Reasons for concern
Snapchat is one of the image-based Abuse and bullying
social media platforms which is As messages disappear shortly after being read,
incredibly popular with children. Snapchat has become a popular tool for abuse such as
One of the key features of Snapchat online bullying as abusers feel they will not be held to
is that, by default, messages sent account for messages posted once they are deleted. This
through Snapchat disappear is supported by the fact that if somebody takes a
seconds after they are viewed by the screenshot of a message posted on Snapchat then the
recipient. The minimum age to use person who posted it is informed that this has happened,
Snapchat is 13 but it is a popular and making it more uncomfortable for people to take evidence
widely used platform among of abuse they have suffered or witnessed.
children younger than this. The Snap Map
The Snap Map allows users to
see the live location of their friends
Safety Tips on a map. Cartoon-style avatars are
As with all Internet activity, talk to your child used to represent people in a move
about how they use Snapchat, the importance of that was clearly designed to be
not ‘oversharing, and any issues they have faced. popular with younger users. This
feature can result in children sharing
The default privacy setting of ‘My Friends’
their location (including effectively
prevents children from sharing ‘snaps’ with users
their home address) with individuals.
unknown to them. However, children may change
this setting and make their posts public. Ensure Addiction-inducing features
your child is aware of the importance of Children are naturally more prone to addictive
maintaining strong privacy settings and check the behaviour than adults. As such, the inclusion of features
settings your child has selected. such as ‘Snap Streaks’ (where two users share pictures with
each other on consecutive days) encourages addictive
In the settings options, ensure your child has
behaviour. Snapchat rewards longer
Snapmap set to ‘ghost mode’. This will ensure
streaks with special emojis. This can
that nobody can see their current location.
result in children increasing their
Ask your child if they know how to report or daily usage of the app.
block a user who sends them anything that
upsets them. This can be done by going to the Risk of secondary apps
friends list, selecting the person creating the Snapchat allows users to link to
issue and then selecting the gear icon. secondary apps that can be used inside
Snapchat. A recent concerning example
Remind your child that although Snapchat is YOLO which allows users to offer
automatically deletes images once seen, people the opportunity to anonymously
somebody can copy the image and share it with ask them questions. Such apps have led
others. to online bullying and hate crime.
www.onlinesafetyalliance.org
Online safety education for school staff, pupils and parents
© Online Safety Alliance, 2020
@family_allabout | All About Family | www.allabout-family.co.uk | 27What’s ter where you are in the UK
on Never miss an event, no mat
covered!
this Summer.. we’ve got you
London
Times and events
may vary, please
check with venue
for confirmation
HACKNEY EMPIRE’S Christmas. Santa’s arrived early to BEATRIX POTTER:
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK London Zoo to do some research DRAWN TO NATURE
Co-directed by Clive Rowe on what the animals would like for V&A Museum
and Tony Whittle Christmas. But he’ll need your help, 12 Feb 2022 - 8 Jan- 2023
Till 2 Jan 2022 because with over 20,000 animals Tickets on sale now
When happy-go-lucky Jack is tempted there’s far too much for just him and Realised through a major partnership
into selling his family’s beloved cow his elves to manage. Head out across between the V&A and the National
for a fistful of magic beans, he finds the Zoo gathering information along Trust, the exhibition will celebrate
himself tangled in an adventure of epic the way, before reporting back to Mrs the life and work of one of the
proportions! Join Jack on his journey Claus in the polar post room, sending best loved children’s authors of
up an enchanted beanstalk as he tries off your trail card to Santa and the 20th century. Using playful
to outwit a rampaging giant, all with helping to make sure all the animals staging and immersive design, it will
the help of his larger-than-life mum. get the perfect present this Christmas! showcase original watercolours,
Jack and the Beanstalk will get the www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo drawings and manuscripts as well as
festive season underway once more, personal artefacts including letters,
with all the fun, magic, mischievous photographs, furniture and decorative
mayhem and razzle dazzle that WIZARDING WORLD
– FANTASTIC BEASTS art. It will take visitors of all ages
Hackney audiences love and sadly on a journey to discover Potter’s
missed last Christmas. – THE WONDER OF NATURE
Natural History Museum extraordinary and multifaceted life
www.hackneyempire.co.uk as a natural scientist, farmer and
Now till 3 Jan 2022
Discover where the real world and the conservationist in the Lake District,
THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE bringing to light the places, people
FROZEN – THE MUSICAL Wizarding World intertwine, and how
the wonders of the natural world have and animals that inspired some of
On Now till Mid 2022 Potter’s most beloved characters,
Prepare to fall in love with Disney’s inspired myths, legends and magical
creatures for generations. Embark on from Jemima Puddle-duck to
FROZEN all over again, as a brand- Benjamin Bunny and Peter Rabbit
new theatrical experience arrives in a journey where not all is as it seems,
where magical beasts and fantastic and inviting visitors to celebrate her
London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. legacy and impact in both literature
Incredible special effects, stunning animals share abilities and behaviours
that allow them to dazzle, attract and and the natural sciences. Supported
costumes and jaw-dropping scenery by Kathryn Uhde
bring Elsa and Anna’s journey to life escape. www.nhm.ac.uk
in a whole new way. And with all
the beloved songs from the movie DOCTOR WHO: TIME FRACTURE
– as well as a few surprises from the UNIT HQ, MAYFAIR
writers behind Let it Go – you’ll be 2 Jan 2022 - Choice of two entry
transported to Arendelle from the times 12noon /12.45pm
moment the curtain rises. Why not start the year with an
www.lwtheatres.co.uk adventure? Doctor Who: Time
Fracture puts fans at the heart of the
LONDON ZOO story, plunged into a journey across
Experience the Magic of Christmas at space and time. Featuring amazingly
London Zoo this December. realistic worlds – audiences will
27 Nov - 3 Jan 2022 discover that it’s time to step up, be
We've got everything you need for a the hero and save the universe!
jam-packed fun family day out this www.immersivedoctorwho.com
28 | www.allabout-family.co.uk | All About Family | @family_allaboutSouth East
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST The Fairy Godmother and the THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS
The Hexagon Reading legendary Richard Cadell & Sooty in Theatre Royal Winchester
4 Dec - 3 Jan 2022 Mayflower Theatre’s pantomime for 22 - 23 Jan 2022
Come and join us for The Hexagon’s 2021 - Cinderella. Based on the book by Julia
spectacular family pantomime, Beauty www.mayflower.org.uk Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
and the Beast with children’s Soar into space with this exciting
television megastar Justin Fletcher as CINDERELLA adaptation of the award-winning
Billy Pastry alongside Reading’s New Theatre Royal Portsmouth book by Julia Donaldson and Axel
favourite Dame - Paul Morse as 15 - 31 Dec Scheffler. On a far-off planet, Smeds
Nanny Pastry. Familiar faces also Join New Theatre Royal and Jordan and Smoos can’t be friends. So when
return with Karl Loxley as The Beast/ Productions this Christmas for the a young Smed and Smoo fall in love
Prince and Sarah Giorgina as Beauty most magical pantomime of them and zoom off into space together,
along with David J Higgins as Mr all – Cinderella! Left at home by the how will their families get them back?
Crust. Rachel Delooze as The ugliest of sisters, Cinders cannot go Music, laughs and interplanetary
Entrantress. Ryan Alexander Full as to the ball. However, with the help adventures for everyone aged 3
Bear Botemme. of her Fairy Godmother and brilliant and up, from Tall Stories – the
www.whatsonreading.com buffoonery from Buttons, the most company that brought you The
exciting night of her life can begin. Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live
HOME IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS www.newtheatreroyal.com on stage.
An Oxford Playhouse production www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
Oxford Playhouse SING-A-LONG-A THE GREATEST
9 - 31 Dec SHOWMAN RATTON SCHOOL: BUGSY MALONE
Kayla’s mum is away a lot, but Kayla Theatre Royal Brighton Royal Hippodrome Eastbourne
doesn’t mind. She’s got Snowy, her 8 Jan 2022 26 - 28 JAN 2022
teddy and Grandpa - plus Mum Sing-a-Long-a Productions, Ratton’s splurgetastic production of
always sends postcards. But on producers of Sing-a-Long-a Bugsy Malone shoots into The Royal
Christmas Eve, Kayla decides to go Sound of Music and Sing-a-Long-a Hippodrome Theatre. Let the cast
on her own adventure. Join Kayla and Grease brings you their newest transport you to 1920s New York
Snowy as they journey around the show, the smash hit film musical – A world of gangsters, speakeasies,
world, making new friends with the that everyone can’t stop singing hopes and dreams. Including hit
animals they meet along the way! But - The Greatest Showman! Look out numbers such as ‘Fat Sam’s Grand
what about Grandpa left behind? Will ‘cause here it comes…. The live host Slam’, ‘My Name is Tallulah’ and
Kayla and Snowy get back home in will teach everyone a unique set of ‘Tomorrow’, anybody who is anybody
time for Christmas? Take a starlight dance moves, show you how to use is sure to be there!
adventure with amazing puppets our interactive prop bags, and also www.royalhippodrome.com
made by theatre company Smoking get you to practice your cheers, your
Apples. www.oxfordplayhouse.com boos and even a few wolf whistles.
Fancy dress is strongly encouraged
CINDERELLA and full audience participation
Mayflower Theatre Southampton essential.
10 Dec - 2 Jan 2022 www.atgtickets.com/venues/
A strictly magical star cast has theatre-royal-brighton
been announced with Craig
Revel Horwood as The Wicked
Stepmother, Debbie McGee as
@family_allabout | All About Family | www.allabout-family.co.uk | 29You can also read
