FREE Issue No. 74 ® May/June 2017

Parties Education What's On at Half Term Special Events Child Mental Health Tips to get families outdoors

The Herts magazine with the information young families want 2 From your Editor… In this issue: The Summer Term has begun and already we are careering towards the June half term News & Views: 4 break! Let’s hope for clement weather so that children can be tempted away from their tech and encouraged to get active. You will find lots of ideas of things to do on our Half Parties: 6 Term and Special Events page and What’s On guide plus some top tips on ways to get Education: 8 kids back into the great outdoors. Getting the most out of holiday time is important but so is term time. Our education Family Wellbeing: 11 section has a helpful piece by Explore Learning about clever ways to make doing homework fun. Child Mental Health: 12 Mental health has been in the news a lot lately, especially with the recent launch of the Heads Together Campaign, a coalition of eight mental health charities that have been Half Term & Special Events: 13 brought together by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry with the aim of getting people talking about mental health – so we are. Our article on how to deal What’s On: 14 with stress, depression and anxiety in children is a must read. If you are getting ready to party, do read the party pages with some theming ideas for Next Issue: No. 75 - July/August your next child’s birthday party. Copy Deadline: 9th June Shelley Image credit: © svetamart Where are we? Baldock, Bishops Stortford, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, , Kings Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC. Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pick it up from cafes, playgroups, nurseries, Pinner, HA5 9AH schools, activity groups, selected shops, Tel: 020 8428 6384 surgeries, leisure centres and libraries. Email [email protected] or call to request copies for your venue. www.familiesonline.co.uk

Say you saw it in 3 News & Views

Paradise Wildlife Park becomes a Charity

Paradise Wildlife Park, ’s award Paradise Wildlife Park have also opened winning zoo, has recently formed a charity: the ‘Penguin Falls’ enclosure for endangered Snappy Tag Back to School Kit the Zoological Society of Hertfordshire (ZSH). African Penguins. The penguins' new habitat, Paradise Wildlife Park is known for its based on their South of African homeland, animal breeding and conservation work will provide the space and conditions for an Snappy Tag - easy as 1,2,3 and has contributed over £5,000,000 to excellent quality of life and for breeding – conservation projects and wildlife causes in Paradise Wildlife Park is one of only two zoos Here’s one busy mum’s experience with the UK and around the world. The charity will in the UK to be recommended for African Snappy Tag … raise funds for its work and will offer a wider Penguin breeding. My nickname is Lastminute.com Mum in wildlife education programme for visitors. Find out more at www.pwpark.com or my son’s playground. There are so many little Commenting on the change, ZSH Director, call 01992 470490. jobs that need doing that my ‘to do’ list is Lynn Whitnall, said: “As a zoo we’re crucially constantly growing and the ‘clothes labelling’ aware that our purpose task was always being shifted down the will always be questioned. priority scale and it eventually dropped off my However, at Paradise list altogether! Wildlife Park, we’ve When Snappy Tag asked if I would like to try always made the out their labelling system I decided to give it wellbeing of our animals a go. and the preservation With my son’s school uniform and armed of the wider natural with my tags and the Snappy Tag applicator world our prime focus. I set to work. I very soon discovered, to my The creation of ZSH great delight, that the Snappy Tag solution will help us to expand really was easy. And not only that, I would our conservation and never have to name a school item again, as educational work, my son proved to be fully capable of operating making clear the valuable this little gem himself! After reading through role zoos can play in the instructions together, off he went: push, protecting species snap, clicked on. It really is as easy as 1,2,3. throughout the world.” To solve all your name labelling problems visit www.snappytags.co.uk

Explore your local Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes museums this summer!

videos that the children can play at home to keep the magic alive. Each term sees a new theme to keep imaginations buzzing. This Summer Perform’s 4-7s group will be saddling up and going on a ‘Wild West’ adventure to find the ‘Horse with the Golden Mane’. The 7-12s will be zooming off on a space adventure with Robinson Crusoe in a space- age version of the castaway classic. Perform offer no-obligation free sessions for newcomers. Perform is a unique children’s drama Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book your The Museum Explorer Passport is back for the school that has a special emphasis on child free class today. summer, with new museums joining in Herts development. Their mix of drama, dance and With venues all over Hertfordshire you’re and Beds. singing brings out every child’s full potential. bound to find a class near you - Berkhamsted, Children can claim their passports for free Run by experienced actor-teachers, in small Bishops Stortford, Broxbourne, Bushey, and they are encouraged to explore museums, groups, the classes focus on developing the 4 Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, with their families, across both counties. Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, Hitchin, Potters Bar, Radlett, Sawbridgeworth, Children will get a passport stamp for every and Concentration. St Albans, Tring, Welwyn Garden City museum visited. Visit and stamp five museums The curriculum ensures plenty of fun with Summer term runs until 21st July and the to receive a sticker prize. Plus, complete four its energetic games, catchy songs and funky autumn term begins on 2nd September. Arts Award Challenges to qualify for an Arts dances. All the class materials are written Contact perform on 020 7255 9120 or email Award Discover Certificate. by Perform and there are also apps, CDs and [email protected] Go to www.museumexplorerpassport.com.

4 Families Bedfordshire Scientists and pollinators magazine is for sale! want your help… Four years after Imagine living in a desert with barely any food, Snappy Tag Back to School Kit setting up and water or place to call home. Unfortunately, launching Families this is life for the pollinating insects currently Bedfordshire living in Britain. Loss of habitat, pesticides and magazine, the farming practices have left them hungry and time has now homeless. come for Judith The Polli:Nation survey needs families Dow to move to become citizen scientists and to help on to pastures vital research into the health and status of new. If you pollinating insects across the country. are motivated, The survey takes under an hour to complete ambitious, sales in any outdoor spaces such as gardens, school driven and enjoy grounds or local parks and uploading your building relationships, then running your findings will contribute to valuable scientific own magazine business could be the right research. Your survey results can be submitted opportunity for you! either online or by post. Running a franchised magazine allows you There are also lots of free survey resources create your own feeding or nesting habitats to choose your own hours and to work flexibly that can be downloaded with cheap and or places where insects can shelter, such as around your children. Being your own boss simple ideas of ways to make your garden bee hotel. means you get to keep the profits whilst or local outdoor space a friendlier place for Find out more at www.opalexplorenature. enjoying the satisfaction of producing a high- bees and other pollinators. You will be able to org/polli-nation quality local magazine. To find out more call Judith on 01727 373929 or email [email protected]. Walk to School Week Work Opportunity Walk to School Week is Monday 15-Friday 19 May 2017

with Families Join thousands of children across the country We are recruiting for a new Area Manager celebrating the benefits walking brings. for West Hertfordshire to run the Hemel We know that walking to school makes Hempstead section of our website, children feel healthier and happier, while www.familiesonline.co.uk. reducing congestion and pollution outside As an Area Manager you will enjoy a fun and the school gates. Yet less than half of primary flexible role which fits around your family life, school children currently walk to school. whilst affording you a great challenge. You Living Streets, who organise the annual event, will be trained by industry experts and will want to reverse this decline and see every develop valuable new skills in the digital, child that can, walk to school. print and digital marketing industry. For more information or to order a challenge To register your interest, please pack see: www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-we- email: [email protected] do/projects/walk-to-school-week

Say you saw it in 5 Party Feature 5 popular kids party themes

There are few things that kids enjoy more 2. Alice in Wonderland than their birthday party, but as a parent, it If you're looking for something a can be difficult to know how to meet their little more unusual, or you have expectations. Whether you're trying to think a bookworm to impress, an Alice of an original party idea, or are determined to in Wonderland themed party is keep up with the Joneses, here are five popular guaranteed to please. With so kids' party themes that are great for the little many characters to dress up as ones (and plenty of fun for you, too!). and the lure of a Mad Hatter tea 1. Princess party, the clothes and food attend to themselves. If you want to go The princess themed party is as popular with all out, set up a croquet game and adults as it is with children. Big dresses, fancy get some inflatable flamingos! A shoes, beautifully quaffed hair, and tiaras. You prerequisite for this one is a whole can really get creative: turn a big chair into an lot of unusual fun, and little signs elaborate throne, get a red carpet, and don't with 'Eat Me' and 'Drink Me' on all forget the royal party favours - child-sized food and beverages. Try Debutots Perform Parties: performparties.co.uk clutches and dress-shaped bags make great or Perform Parties. goody bags! An elaborate princess castle cake and rolling pins and stage your own Master is also a must-have for this theme. If you want 3. Witches and Wizards Chef tournament at home! to bring in the professional try Debutots or If you have a Potter-addict on your hands, this Try Little Cookies, who will come to your Perform Parties; both specialise in is definitely a good way to go, but don't shy home and clear up the mess afterwards or themed parties. away from this theme if your children aren't Cinnamon Square for a baking party in a mad about the Potterverse. There's great fun professional kitchen. to be had with witches and wizards, from Gandalf to Glinda, and Merlin to Witchfire. 5. Animals Wands, cauldrons, capes, and broomsticks Animal-themed parties are incredibly simple are all must-haves. If you are going down the to do, but so much fun. You can take the kids Harry Potter route, stage your own game of to an animal park, farm, or the zoo, have them Quidditch - if not, magical duels, broomstick dress up as their favourite animals, or even races and, of course, an actual magician will get a petting zoo to come to your house! Face go down a storm! Try Debutots or Perform painting is a great activity with this theme, Parties. as there are so many wonderful designs to choose from. Why not try a niche of the 4. Cookery theme, like big cats or wolves, and book an If your kids enjoy baking, making pizza, or want experience day at a special nature reserve? Try to try something more complicated, cookery is Hatfield Park Farm. for them. Find a restaurant or cafe that hosts These are just five ideas but the list is children's parties. If not, get chef's hats, aprons endless … just like kid’s imaginations!

Hatfield Park Farm Parties Kool Kidz Parties Hire the Kid’s Cabin outdoor shelter for A Kool Kidz’ party goes with a swing from do-it-yourself parties. Take your own food beginning to end. Choose from: Traditional and decorations to personalise your child’s (3 years +), Sports (relay races, football, celebration. In your private area there is space unihockey, team-games), Themed (a twist for indoor and outdoor party games. You will on the traditional party; superheros, fairies all enjoy the farm, Bloody Hollow Play Area, and more), Disco (with lights, snow machine Goat Pass and a tractor ride. Hire costs £100 and games, dancing competitions and prizes), (inc.VAT) a day (11am to 4pm) for up to 30 Pedal Go Kart (races, timed laps, games with a children and 10 adults. Extra adults cost £5 medal for the birthday child). Two hour parties p/p and children, aged 3-15 years £2.50 each. with a break for food followed by more fun. To find out more email One hour after-school parties also available. info@ hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk or visit To find out more call 01582 723449 or visit www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk. www.koolkidzgroup.co.uk

6 Perform Parties Debutots Parties Perform parties are high energy, Debutots Adventure Story fun and infectious. Based around Parties, for 1–7 year olds, a colourful theme, Perform’s use original stories, games, enthusiastic party leaders use characters and places for an a magical mix of songs, games unforgettable treat. Create a and laughter guaranteed to personal package for your child ensure every child is part of an from a story, character or animal enthralling adventure. As soon or choose one of their original as the lively leaders arrive, party themes. Fun and relaxed, they'll give your child and with minimum hype and volume. friends the best birthday party One mum said: "The children ever. Whether your child wants were captivated by the story and to be a swashbuckling pirate, the games and challenges. They a shimmering mermaid or a all believed Laura really was the dazzling superhero, they'll have a character she was playing, and brilliant time. got into character themselves. Find out more at performparties. It was magical and wonderful to Perform Parties: performparties.co.uk co.uk or call 0207 255 9120. see them all so enthralled.” Find out more from [email protected] or call 01707 861437.

360 Play Parties 360 Play is the place to party! Packages available to suit everyone; whether it's an ‘Arty Party’, an after school party or a toddler’s birthday, 360 Play have all you need. A party provides up to 80 minutes of play and 40 minutes party time. Plus, your party host will dance, play and interact with your guests and you can enjoy hot or cold food and drinks. Every child gets a party activity bag. Head to 360 for an all-round Cinnamon Square party experience,whatever the weather! Cinnamon Square café hosts Find out more at 360play.co.uk baking parties for children (5+). Parties include baking and fun experiments to discover how bread rises. Older children (9+) can choose a Cupcake Little Cookies or Chocolate Making party. Buy KiddieKraft baking kits Cooking parties for children of for a party bag alternative; all ages. 3-9 year olds make their personalised free and delivered own birthday tea and those aged nationally from £4.95 each for 10+ can host a three course orders of 15 and over. dinner party! Lots of menu Find out more at options. They provide all the www.cinnamonsquare.com or ingredients, equipment and know call 01923 778353. how. Most allergies catered for. To find out more call 01727 839444 or visit www.little-cookies.co.uk

Say you saw it in 7 Education Abacus Maths: Leading figures call for official guidance An ancient skill for the 21st Century on screen time

If you’ve ever worried about the amount of time your children spend in front of smartphones, computers, consoles and TV, you’re certainly not alone. A group of 40 leading authors, educationalists and child- development experts have called for official guidelines on the use of screen devices by children up to 12 to be drawn up by recognised authorities on child health and development. In a letter to The Guardian the group, which includes author Philip Pullman, If the word ‘abacus’ conjures up a toddler’s psychotherapist Susie Orbach, childcare brightly coloured bead frame then think again. expert Penelope Leach and the former would emphasise emotional and social The traditional Japanese soroban abacus is a archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, development and encourage outdoor play. sophisticated calculating instrument that is said it also wants to see the creation of a “If children are to develop the self-regulation used for addition, subtraction, multiplication minister for children. This cabinet-level role and emotional resilience required to thrive and division. The soroban originated in would have the responsibility for assessing the in modern technological culture, they need ancient China where it was known as the impact of all government policies on children’s unhurried engagement with caring adults and suanpan. The earliest known description of health and wellbeing. plenty of self-directed outdoor play, the suanpan appeared in a book of the Eastern The letter also called for a kindergarten- especially during their early years (0–7),” the Han Dynasty in 190CE, titled ‘Supplementary style education for 3 to 7 year olds, which letter reads. Notes on the Art of Figures’ written by Xu Yue. The suanpan began to be used in Japan from the 14th century and it continues to be used all around the world to teach 21st century Girls grow and learn at St Albans High School Prep children numbers and mental arithmetic. Noby Fujioka, who runs Abacus Maths X The Prep School at St Albans High School for Learning, believes that learning how to use the Girls (STAHS Prep), based in Wheathampstead abacus helps children to become competent village just a few miles from St Albans town arithmeticians. Noby has developed his centre, offers a broad and rich curriculum course so that children will learn to calculate which gives girls strong foundations and number questions as well as word problems, harnesses their natural curiosity. They learn that require knowledge and understanding French and Mandarin to help prepare them of the real world. Children are encouraged to for a global workplace, as well as essential think about the problems and to find the best strong skills in I.T., maths and English. The processes to solve them in different situations. school offers a modern curriculum with lots of From the age of five, children will learn the opportunities to research, work collaboratively meaning and application of times tables and and present to others. extra-curricular programme encourages girls will remember and recall the answers quickly. STAHS Prep is an exciting place to grow and to find their passion in music, sports or the They will explore and express patterns and learn, where girls reap the benefits of a broad, creative arts. This year the school has opened processes to solve maths problems in different happy education. With 18 acres of field and a new performing arts centre, which resonates forms. Children also internalise and reinforce woodland every child has the opportunity to with music and drama every day. Relationships their knowledge in a structured way with engage with the outdoors, to play, to develop between teachers and children are of the regular exercise and practice. her passion for learning and to have fun. utmost importance and each child is valued To find out more call Noby Fujioka on The girls enjoy learning science outdoors as for her individual strengths. 01442 800808 www.abacusmaths.info well as in the school’s purpose-built lab. A rich Find out more at www.stahs.org.uk

Centre 4 Excellence provide specialist sound Who can benefit from the programmes? Centre 4 Excellence training programmes that can be helpful for They are suitable for all children aged from all children but which are especially useful for five to sixteen years. They are of particular children with specific learning difficulties as benefit to children who have reading, those mentioned below. spelling and writing difficulties, attention What are Sound Training Programmes? We and focusing issues, working memory issues learn to read, write and spell from the sounds as well as children diagnosed with autism, that we hear. When the brain encounters ADHD, auditory processing difficulties and problems translating what it hears it can make developmental delay or dyslexia. learning difficult. Sound Training Programmes How can it help my child? By training the help to retrain the brain to improve auditory brain to hear and interpret sounds correctly and sensory processing. it can help to improve: speech and language; Who created the programmes? The hearing with background noises; following programmes are based on years of research multiple instructions; hearing the tonality in neuroscience and the way the brain of sounds; phonological awareness; making learns. They have been devised by a team eye contact; listening skills; behaviour and of neurologists; experts in the field of brain receptive language. plasticity, communication, speech and To find out more contact Florence on language, audiology and physiotherapy. 07919 067343.

8 Say you saw it in 9 Education 7 Ways to Make Homework Fun!

‘Homework? Boooring!’ Is this a regular moan 3. Find a study buddy in your house? We’ve all been there! We want Hold a homework playdate where your child our children to progress and do well at school and one of their friends do their homework but after a long day, many youngsters will together. Set some rules ahead of time and feel reluctant to sit down to get on with their reward them afterwards with an activity of homework - and no amount of nagging seems their choice. Or join your child yourself and to help! accomplish some work of your own – be it We’ve teamed up with the experts at Explore catching up on emails, paying bills or planning Learning to bring you seven awesome ways to a holiday. Win-win! make homework actually fun. 4. Turn it into a game 1. Set up a fun and creative space Turn learning into a fun game. Having a special place to do work, decorated For spellings, you could use in personalised decor, can really help children flashcards or writing words in to focus. Avoid busy areas and make sure there foam, or for maths, you could is no other distractions, like technology or use sweets like Smarties to televisions. Younger children may appreciate help visualise numbers. When their own artwork hung on the walls, while they get a right answer, they older children may prefer more desk space and get to eat some! Reinforce how well they personalised planners, so they can organise are doing, write them their work. 5. Get outside inspiring messages and 2. Magical motivators If the weather is good, why chat to family members not let your child do their about your child’s achievements. Keep homework battles at bay by using homework outside? The fresh air will help 7. Make it visual incentives to keep your child on track. Younger them concentrate after being inside a stuffy children may be motivated by sticker charts, classroom all day. Let them have a short break If your child feels overwhelmed by everything where they can pick a reward once it is full, in between exercises, like a game of Frisbee they have to do, visually being able to see whilst older kids may be persuaded to crack on or football. their progress will help. Make a list or chart on with their work with the promise of time on a white board or special planner and get them the iPad. Make sure your child understands the 6. Be positive to cross each task off as it is completed. Some value of developing good homework habits, Always be upbeat about school and homework new pens and exciting stationary will also rather than just receiving a reward! and give your child bags of encouragement. keep them happy!

10 Family Wellbeing

Six tips to get your child outdoors this season

Spring into Summer is a beautiful 1. Take them camping 3. Turn detective for the day time of year. The sky provides a Studies have shown that the average child Woodland walks are one way to get your crisp blue background and the spends far too much time indoors using children moving, but to make sure that they electronics and less and less time outside. This don’t get bored and try to avoid going out fields are green with new growth. can constrain their natural creativity and gives again in the future, turn the day into a game. It’s the perfect time for children! them an inability to cope without constant Compile a list of things to find in the forest, There is so much to see and do stimulation. One great way to turn this on from certain types of flowers to feathers, its head is to grab a tent and take them leaves, and even animal droppings. Get them and it’s important to get them camping. Internet service should be naturally to tick these off their list as they locate them. outside to experience it, for both limited in more remote locations, but if it’s The more they find, the more points they get, not, encourage your kids to leave their tablets with a small prize at the end for the victor. their physical health and their and smartphones behind. Fill their days with Such games are guaranteed to not only be fun, psychological wellbeing. hiking, campfires, and outdoor games and but also to get all of their senses switched on Numerous studies have shown they’ll barely even notice the absence of and their attention focused on the task 24/7 technology. at hand. the benefits of fresh air and good, old-fashioned outdoor fun. Proven 2. Do some wildlife watching 4. Collect and craft to increase children’s activity According to research by the Kaiser Family Another idea for woodland walks is to get levels, alertness and general Foundation, children spend more than seven your children to collect items that they can hours a day on electronic media. Luckily, the later use to make crafts. Encourage them health, it’s also a great way to get best antidote for gamer’s eye and texter’s to search around for the most beautiful bits their minds and their imaginations thumb is a simple one: a different kind of and bobs that they can find, whether these mental and visual stimulation in the form of are flowers, feathers, or even pretty rocks. working. wildlife watching. Helping children to better Once you’re at home, let them showcase The trick is not to make it feel appreciate the birds and beasts around them their findings, and spend some time teaching forced, but fun. Here are six tips to is a great way to engage their senses and them about the things they’ve discovered, educate them on the environment. If you want such as which birds their feathers came from. get your little ones scrambling for to make the day extra exciting, turn it into a Then, get out the glue and the glitter and get the nearest door and their photo safari and have them snap pictures of to work. Their imaginations should soon be any animals they spot. working overtime. next adventure… 5. Take them pony trekking Horse riding can be an expensive hobby, but as a one-off treat, it’s a really pleasant experience for children. Helping to hone their hand-eye co-ordination, it's almost like enjoying a Great British safari. Most centres will take you out into the wilderness, with beautiful sights to be seen and enjoyed. Depending on where you trek, you could cross everything from woods to beaches to mountains, each of them offering a unique insight into the wonders of the great outdoors. Your little ones will probably love it so much that they’ll be talking about it for weeks to come, their minds filled with the fun and the excitement that being outdoors can bring. 6. Encourage them to cloud gaze As free as the air you breathe, cloud gazing has always been associated with daydreamers and there are worse things that your child could be. Encouraging them to pick out shapes in the sky will get their imaginations working overtime and is a For more fun things to see and do in the great truly fantastic catalyst for creativity. Afterwards, have outdoors, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk them make stories from the images they imagined, or else paint their own cloudy pictures. If it gets them thinking, the day will have been a success.

Say you saw it in 11 Child Mental Health Dealing with stress, depression and anxiety in children Stress, depression and anxiety don't just affect adults; they can affect children, too. In fact, the Office for National Statistics claims that one activities or may display characteristics Often, understanding the root cause or in ten youngsters between the ages that aren't normal for them. A placid child trigger can help alleviate the problem. If a of five and 16 experience a mental may suddenly develop angry outbursts, for child is being bullied, for instance, you can health issue, and 4% suffer from example, or a typically happy youngster may contact the relevant authorities to address the become tearful for no apparent reason. issue. If your child feels stressed because of disorders such as depression Some symptoms of stress, depression or exams, explain that it's normal to feel anxious or anxiety. anxiety may be more obvious than others. before a test and that other children will feel It can be difficult for parents to see their Children might start having nightmares the same way, too. By showing children that child suffering from stress, depression or or night terrors, or they may wet the bed. it's normal to feel symptoms of unease over anxiety, especially when we tend to think of Behaviours such as hurting themselves or situations, it can make them feel better. youngsters as being such happy and becoming obsessive about certain things may However, where problems persist or aren't carefree souls. manifest, and some children may refuse to easy for you to tackle on your own, it's wise Parents may quickly blame themselves, eat, or restrict what they eat. to seek professional help from your GP to get but there may be complex factors at play Tackling the issue a confirmed diagnosis. To the untrained eye, contributing to the way your child feels. it's not easy differentiating between stress, Often, the biggest problem is spotting the If you suspect your child may be experiencing depression and anxiety, so this is where your signs and symptoms of a potential problem in stress, depression or anxiety, the first step you GP comes in. the first place. But, the good news is, there are should take is to talk to them. Try to find out There are many trained paediatric therapists plenty of solutions available to help your child why your child is behaving the way they are, who can help to ease the burden that your overcome this issue. or feeling the way they do. Explain to them child may be feeling. Talking therapies, such as that they haven't done anything wrong, they counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy, Spotting the signs aren't alone, and that lots of people often feel are effective at letting your child discuss their fears and concerns whilst finding strategies As with adults, it's normal for children to the same way. to help them cope or think differently about experience ups and downs in life, and how There are lots of factors that may contribute a situation. Art therapy or creating a worry they react to certain situations can change as to the way your child is feeling. They may be box can also be cathartic for youngsters, they develop and grow. Many children have worried about exams or schoolwork, or they where they express their feelings by drawing fears or phobias, which is normal, too. But, may be experiencing problems with other or writing them down and working with it's when problems start to interfere with children. Bereavement and parental breakup therapists to find solutions. everyday life, that you may need to consider if may trigger troubled feelings, and these may Most of these therapies are effective in there's something else going on. not necessarily manifest immediately after getting your child back to their old self, and What is important to consider when deciding a traumatic event. Sometimes, it might not only in extreme cases is medication used to if your child may be suffering from stress, always be easy to pinpoint what has caused tackle this issue. depression or anxiety is how long feelings or the prolonged low mood in your child. behaviours have been occurring, and what is usual or typical for your child. For example, it's normal to feel sad and upset when a grandparent or pet dies, but Childline launches kids counselling app if these feelings of sadness persist for a The NSPCC’s Childline service has just launched a new iPhone app to provide counselling for prolonged period, or they interfere with daily kids directly through their mobile phones. The ‘For Me’ app allows kids to access Childline’s routines, this may flag up potential problems online services, including 1-2-1 live chats with a counsellor, the ‘Ask Sam’ problem pages of stress, depression or anxiety. and entrance to their private ‘lockers’ – areas where they can write down their own personal Equally, if your child is usually very sociable thoughts and track their moods. and enjoys play dates and sleepovers, but has It was invented by four teenagers who wanted to use technology to address the urgent need started to become withdrawn and wants to be for support among young people. Childline founder Esther Rantzen said: “We know hundreds on their own, this isn't typical of their normal of thousands of young people use our website for help and support, with more than half behaviour, so may signal all isn't quite well. those visits coming via mobile devices. Now young people can get immediate access to our Stress, depression or anxiety may also counsellors through this brilliant, innovative app.” exist if your child loses interest in hobbies The app is free to download via iTunes and is designed for discreet usage. Read more at they usually enjoy. They may find it hard www.childline.org.uk to concentrate at school, may avoid certain

12 Half-Term & Special Events

Unicorns are real! Knebworth Every year Chiltern Open Air Museum’s , with its gardens, park, (COAM) ‘Enchanted Museum’ event is visited adventure playground and dinosaur trail, by a beautiful, friendly unicorn. This is a offers something for children and adults. unique opportunity to experience a In the Adventure Playground there’s all the late-night opening of COAM, an outdoor usual fun to be had inside ‘Fort Knebworth’ museum that is home to rescued and rebuilt with the exciting addition, this season, of historical buildings. the astro and drop slides, swings, a zip wire, interactive splash water features and a bouncy castle, which is just about everything kids need to burn off their energy. Make sure your kids save some energy (and time) to walk the Dinosaur Trail. Follow the trail through the Wilderness Garden to discover 72 prehistoric creatures in the shrubbery. Hear them roar with the June, 9 – 24 September. sound boxes and draw a cave-man on the Park, Gardens, Adventure Playground and chalkboard. Dinosaur Trail open 11am-5pm (last ticket There is plenty of space for playing games sold 4:15pm). House & Raj Exhibition open and enjoying your picnic, with large covered 12pm-5pm (last admission 4pm). shelters. Plus, parking is free. Knebworth is Park & Garden Admission: £9.50, Family easily reachable off junction 7 of the A1(M). Ticket £34, Season Ticket £40, under 3’s Knebworth is open 27 May – 4 June, 1 July – go free. 3 September. For more information visit www. Weekends & BH’s: 22 April –21 May, 10 – 25 knebworthhouse.com, or call 01438 812661.

Families can meet a princess riding a unicorn and fairy tale characters. Children can join the knight’s school, toast marshmallows and walk THE XC through the woodland where the elves and fairies live. XC is an extreme sports facility based in the There will be crafts, games, and magical heart of Hemel Hempstead. This world class storytelling in the museum’s Iron Age facility features the only indoor concrete roundhouse. Visitors are invited to dress up as and wooden skate/BMX park in the UK, their favourite magical character for the fancy an impressive 60m x 14m climbing wall, a dress competition. The historic buildings will bouldering wall, Europe’s largest indoor caving be lit by candle and firelight, adding to the systems and a challenging high ropes course. mysterious atmosphere. Each school holidays, XC puts on an exciting Take a picnic or enjoy the BBQ on the village programme of activities for each of the areas green. This year’s event is on Saturday, 20th and even has an extreme holiday day where May 4pm – 8.30pm. Advance booking is your child can sample the climbing wall, high strongly recommended. ropes and the caves! Find out more at www.coam.org.uk XC climbing wall is definitely not for the you get to go under a wall into a pit which faint hearted! The climbing wall consists of is filled with balls, giving the feeling of going four very distinct areas suitable for beginners underwater, without even a drop of water. through to advanced climbers. XC indoor The high ropes obstacle course is situated Hatfield Park Farm caving system creates the illusion of depth 12m above the ground and has 8 obstacles to and danger! It measures 160m stretching manoeuvre around. Visit Hatfield Park Farm on Saturday 27th and through intricate twists and turns. In one area For more information visit www.thexc.co.uk. Sunday 28th May to see how the sheep are made ready for the summer months. Watch the fabulous sheep shearing demonstrations at this popular event that gives children the opportunity to learn how we Super Camps prepare the sheep for the warmer Super Camps' fabulous new Multi-Activity months. There is summer camp programme at Hatfield, no extra charge Letchworth, Potters Bar and Hemel to watch the Hempstead allows children to get involved in demonstration, some great activities. As well as taking part in just the standard the fun-packed programme, children are cared admission charge for by fully qualified and vetted staff to create of £5 per adult and a thoroughly enjoyable time on camp. As £2.50 per child Ofsted noted, Super Camps runs "an excellent with little ones programme of well-planned, fun and exciting under 3 years free. activities that contributes highly to the The perfect start children’s play and learning environment". to the half term Half term camps run from 30th May – 2nd FAMILIES17. holidays! June. Find your nearest camp online. For more information and to book visit Find out more at www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk Families readers can save 15% with code www. supercamps.co.uk

Say you saw it in 13 What’s On: Half Term & Beyond

Park to the Common at 12 noon. VILLAGE FETE 30 May-2 June Country ‘Art on the Common’ will be Harris Lane Playing Field, Multi activity camp for ages Shows & Fairs running concurrently. Harris Lane, Shenley, WD7 9EG 4-12. Days are jam packed with Free but some activities will be 01923 852841 art, sport and fun. Activities to HARPENDEN FUNFAIR chargeable. www.shenleyvillage.org suit all. Book by the week, day or half day. Extended days available. Harpenden Common, WHITWELL STEAM AND 18 Jun – 12 noon St Albans Road, Harpenden, COUNTRY FAIR Stalls, rides, entertainment. LANGLEY TENNIS & Motorcycle stunt team. Tom's AL5 1DT Mansell's End Farm, Bury Lane, RACQUETS CAMP Talking Reptiles. dog show. www.harpenden.gov.uk Codicote, SG4 8XY Langley Tennis Club, Climbing wall. Go-karts. Ferret 26-29 May 07833 532758 High Woodhall Lane, racing. Punch & Judy. Bungee Roll up, roll up for all the fun of www.whitwellsteam.com Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8RW. trampoline. Fairground games. the fair. 10-11 Jun - 10am-5pm 01442 230234, www. Laser tag. Cost: £1. Child 50p. Funfair. Steam engines, classic berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY Car parking £1 SHOW cars, motorbikes, lorries and 30 May-2 Jun - 9am-4pm ALBAN WEEKEND Have fun and improve your The Showground, tractors. Dog and Shire horse standard of tennis and eye hand Dunstable Road, Redbourn, shows. Cart rides. Craft activities St Peter's Street, in, St Albans, co-ordination. Plus, table tennis, AL3 7PT and stalls. Tug-o-war. Animal AL1 3JE badminton and touch tennis. 01582 792626 corner. www.enjoystalbans.com Cost: £7. Child £4. Family £18. Additional hours available. www.hertsshow.com Alban Pilgrimage Advance booking 15% discount Ages 4-14. Booking required. 27-28 May - 8.30am-5.30pm 24 Jun - 11am Cost: £40 per day or £140 per Agricultural show and family APPLECROFT SCHOOL The Alban Pilgrimage retraces 4-day week. entertainment. Arena displays. Applecroft Road, St Alban’s last steps and tells his National Festival Circus. Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6JZ. moving story. Roman chariots, BERKHAMSTED BASECAMP Cost: Ticket valid for 1 day. 01707 323758 centurions, lions, roses and Berkhamsted Prep School, Advance purchase 20% discount. www.applecroft.herts.sch.uk/PTA executioners take their place in Doctor's Common Road, Adult £15.20. (On the day £19). the procession from St Peter’s Summer Fete Berkhamsted, HP4 3DW. 5-15yrs £7.20 (£9). Under 5s Church to . 17 Jun - 11am-3pm www.berkhamstedbasecamp. free. Family £37.60 (£47). Over Alban Street Festival co.uk 60s £13.60 (£17). Under 5s free Stalls, games, bouncy castle, live 25 Jun – 12noon-6pm 31 May-2 Jun Free car park. entertainment, BBQ, licensed bar. Cost: £1. Children free Live music, dancers, street Multi-activity camp for the ST ALBANS STEAM AND performers, face painters, holidays, see website for full COUNTRY SHOW KNEBWORTH HOUSE creativity, food. details. Ages 3+. Booking required. Oaklands College Knebworth Park, Knebworth, SG3 6PY (St Albans Campus), Hatfield Rd, Half Term RE:PLAY HOLIDAY CLUB St Albans, AL4 0JA 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com Sandridge Sport Hall, 01727 737000 Camps & (off St Albans Rd, Sandridge. Father’s Day Medieval Jousting www.hertssteam.org 07913 323608 3-4 Jun - Opens 10am. 18 Jun - Jousting 12.30 & Courses [email protected] Steam engines, vintage vehicles 2.30pm (weather dependent) SPORTSPACE 29 May-2 June and tractors, fairground, stalls, Costumed knights on warhorses Long established holiday and refreshments. Steam engine gallop at full tilt across the Park Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1JS. after school club for children parade at 2pm arena in a fantastic display of aged from 4-11 years. Open Cost: £8 Senior £5. Under 16s horsemanship. Hand to hand 01442 507128 www.sportspace.co.uk during every school holiday and £5. Family £20 combat. Photo session with the offers activities, outings and fun knights after the jousting. Swimming Crash Courses for kids. Parents can book half Try archery with The Green 29 May-2 Jun day, full day or extended day Castle Street, Hertford, Dragon Bowmen (small charge One week course for children sessions as required offering SG14 1HR for 6 arrows). that is suitable for complete total flexibility. 01992 552885 Jousting included in Park and beginners and those with some www.hertford.gov.uk Gardens ticket. 10% discount experience who will learn to Cars at the Castle with advance online booking. swim more confidently. Ages 4+. Shows 4 Jun - 12-4pm Cost: £22 (members), £30 (non- DogFest THE SANDPIT THEATRE Families can visit and explore members). Note: This course 24-25 Jun The Ridgeway, St Albans, all rooms and enjoy dressing up www.dog-fest.co.uk is also offered at Sportspace activities. Display of classic & Berkhamsted. AL4 9NX. The ultimate day out to enjoy 01727 799565 modern cars on the lawn. Diving Crash Courses with your four-legged friend, www.sandpittheatre.co.uk All ages. Free hosted by celebrity vet, Prof. 30 May-2 Jun Old McDonald and The Noel Fitzpatrick. An introduction to the sport of HARPENDEN CARNIVAL Three Pigs See agility and dance displays. diving. Participants will learn Harpenden Common, Get expert advice on all aspects diving techniques. Ages 5+ 27 May - 2pm St Albans Road, Harpenden, of your dog’s life; dog training (must be ASA Stage 4 or above A colourful and fun show with AL5 1DT and grooming sessions. Live and confident in deep water). silly props. With the help of the 0121 456 4567, www.harpenden. music, shopping and refreshment. Cost: £22 (members), £30 (non- farmer, the audience, mime and roundtable.co.uk/ Cost: One day - Adult £15, Child members). a wild bunch of animals this fun 10 Jun - 12-5pm £9, Senior £11, Family £40. story comes to life. The children Enjoy Lamb Nationals, Falconry KOOL KIDZ CAMPS Two day - Adult £26, Child £14, help to identify farm produce, Displays, Ferret Racing and Pete Senior £20, Family £60. Ages 0-5 Sandridge Primary School sing and become the farm the Dinosaur. Find out about free. Prices do not include entry Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, animals! local wildlife. Dog show. Live to Knebworth House, Gardens St Albans, AL4 9EB Cost: £6. Concs £4 music, food and stalls. or Park 0845 603 2858 Procession from Lydekker Car www.koolkidzgroup.co.uk

14 According to Arthur... Minibeast Monday Pond Dipping Otter Weekend 24 Jun - 11am, 2pm 29 May - 10am-12noon, 2-4pm 2 Jun - 10-11.30am 27-28 May Inspirational and heart-warming Find and learn about ladybirds, Explore this rare chalk stream Fun and games for all whilst tale of an old man who centipedes, butterflies and bees! habitat and see some amazing raising awareness and funds for re-engages with the outside Drop in. creatures. Children must be with the international otter survival world and the adventurous life Cost: £5. Members £3 an adult. Booking essential. fund www.otter.org. he once led. Meet Arthur, an odd Cost: Suggested donation of £5 & MILL Woodland Wildlife Weekend old man who lives in his attic (£3 for members) 10-11 Jun Bush Hall Lane, Mill Green, and spends his time with his A weekend of games, gifts Hatfield, AL9 5PD. CELTIC HARMONY only friend - the Moon. But now, and yummy treats to raise 01707 357850 Brickendon Lane, Brickendon nr. Arthur needs help! The clouds awareness and funds for www.welhat.gov.uk Hertford, SG13 8NY have covered the sky and the conservation charities. Moon is nowhere to be seen, and Ancient Egyptians 01438 718543 without it Arthur’s life suddenly 30 May - 1 Jun – 10am, www.celticharmony.org STANDALONE FARM feels empty. Duration approx. 11.15am,1.15pm, 2.30pm Family Volunteer Day Wilbury Road, 1hr) Themed holiday activities lasting 3 Jun - 10am-1pm Letchworth Garden City, Cost: £8. Concs £6 one hour. Ages 4+. No booking Lend a hand with woodland SG6 4JN required. work or the new Roundhouses. www.standalonefarm.com HERTFORD THEATRE Make a stunning Egyptian Spend the day planting, daubing, 01462 686775 The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS. collar. and exploring the Heritage Open 10am-5pm 01992 531500 30 May Woodland. Book in advance. See the cows being milked on www.hertfordtheatre.com Sat, Sun and holidays at 1.30pm Write your name in Shark in the Park or 2.30pm. Pony grooming. hieroglyphics in a cartouche 27 May - 1.30, 3.30pm Animal Tractor Rides. This fin-tastic family musical 31 May Attraction WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM follows Timothy Pope (and Make a clay mummy in its his telescope!) on 3 exciting own sarcophagus MEAD OPEN FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BB adventures. Ages 3-8. 1 Jun Stanbridge Road, Billington, 08701 299718 Cost: £11. Family £42 Children must be with an adult. Near Leighton Buzzard, Cost: £3.50 per child per session www.willowsactivityfarm.com THE SPOTLIGHT LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Spring Special High Street, Hoddesdon, MUSEUM 10am - 6pm 27 May-4 June - 10am-5.30pm EN11 8BE St Michael's Street, St Albans, A fun-packed day out for Live sheep shearing and acres of 01992441946 AL3 4SW children and families. With springtime fun. Refreshments www.broxbourne.gov.uk 01727 751810 outdoor and indoor things to available or take a picnic. Dick & Dom Live! 2017 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk do. Refreshments 31 May – 2pm, 6pm Archaeology Fun Day available or take Dick and Dom in a show full of 31 May - 10.30am-12.30pm, a picnic. madcap challenges and audience 2-4pm PARADISE WILDLIFE participation games that will Explore how the Roman town PARK have you in stitches. was excavated. Handle artefacts Cost: £12. Child £10. Family £40 from the dig. Craft activities. White Stubbs Lane, Drop in. Broxbourne, EN10 THE RADLETT CENTRE Cost: £1.50 for craft activities. 7QA 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, 01992 470490 The Curse of the Pharaohs WD7 8HL www.pwpark.com 01923 859291 1 Jun - 10.30am-12.30pm, www.radlettcentre.co.uk 2-4pm Explore the Egyptian collection Dogs Don’t Do Ballet and hear about the stories and 1 Jun - 11am, 1.30pm legends from the Nile Valley. This hilarious story is about a Make a secret pyramid box. small dog with big dreams. Ages 6-11. Limited spaces. Ages 3+ Book in advance. Cost: £10 Cost: £6 BRITISH SCHOOLS MUSEUM Activities Queen Street, Hitchin, SG4 9TS. RYE MEADS NATURE RESERVE 01462 420144 Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts, www.britishschoolsmuseum. EN11 0EH. co.uk 01992 708384, www.rspb.org.uk Be a Victorian Child Explore and Art 31 May - 10am-1pm 28 May - 12-2pm Try some Victorian chores, crafts Discover amazing creatures and and games. Ages 4+. beautiful nature and create some Cost: £4 per child (adults free) artwork to take home. Booking BATFORD SPRINGS LOCAL essential. NATURE RESERVE Cost: £3. Members £2. £3 Batford Springs, Harpenden, parking non-members AL5 5AT. www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Say you saw it in 15 What’s On: Half Term & Beyond www.familiesonline.co.uk

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