This month, watch a retelling of Mowgli in Bradford, help your family go screen-free, celebrate the year of the wood snake, go winter camping and take a matchbox hike suggests Kate Hodges
Here's our round up of fab, fun things you can do with your family in the month ahead:
Phones Down
Children’s use of smart phones and screens is firmly on the agenda. Kickstart your digital detox by joining in on January 18th with National No Phones at Home Day, organised by a group that works with local councils and schools to educate teachers and carers about the impact of device use on psychological development and mental health. The focus is on encouraging all parents to consciously turn their phones off, switch off iPads and devices, to engage in activities to connect with their children. Find out more about the day here. And find our conversation about teens and screen time with tech ethicist and writer Tanya Goodin here.
Snakes Alive
Lunar New Year begins on 29th January. This year, in China, the celestial dragon makes way for the earthly Wood Snake. In China, wood is associated with the colour green. In Chinese culture the snake symbolises wisdom and agility, while the wood element brings growth, flexibility and tolerance, and welcomes fire, which represents change.
Why not try making your own snake? These wooden spoon-shaped critters are easy for even very little fingers to decorate, or perhaps you might make a paper-chain slitherer. These puff pastry snake-shaped snacks are super-easy too.
