Five Things To Do With Your Family This Weekend

EVENT, MAKE, DO MUM’S THE WORD!
This Sunday is Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday. In the past, young workers in service to more well-off families were allowed home to visit their families – often the only day off they’d get in a year. They’d take presents home – a posy of flowers, some cake from the kitchens, or some eggs from the chickens.Why not try an alternative celebration this year? We’ve got ideas here that include making a simnel cake together or foraging for dandelion roots and making coffee. You’ll also find inspiration for planet-friendly, meaningful presents.

Alternatively, why not make your own gifts? A smudging stick not only looks beautiful, but smells divine, and will fill your house with good vibes. There’s a good little guide to making one here. Alternatively, give the gift of a relaxing bath with this home-made Lemon Sage Epsom Bath Soak. Or why not have a charity shop forage then pour your own cute tea-cup candle?

EVENT EARTH ANGELS
Celebrate your commitment to the planet by marking Saturday’s WWF’s Earth Hour. From 8.30pm–9.30pm office buildings across the world, from cottages to skyscrapers, will turn off their non-essential lights. Perhaps you could mark the occasion in an exciting way with your family; go stargazing in the park, play board games by candlelight, explore your garden by torchlight, or go and marvel at the spectacle of a city a little darker than usual (find more seven more meaningful ways to spend the time here). Or check online for organised events near you.

EVENT NOW AND ZEN

Darlington’s Hullaballoo theatre makes, tours and promotes theatre for anyone aged 0–16, creating magical, inspiring theatre that jump-starts the imagination and challenges the mind. Right now, not only are they offering baby play packs for children born during lockdown, but the building is also home to Zen Garden, a free creative, meditative drop-in play adventure inspired by the peace and calm of the natural world. There are also extended, bookable sessions for families with neurodiverse children and those with additional needs. Shows just around the corner include Baba Yaga, Secret Owl Society and Squidge.



EVENT STOPPIT AND TIDY UP

Keep Britain Today’s #bigbagchallenge is simple. Between March 25 and April 10, pledge to pick up as much litter as you can. The Great British Spring Clean aims to protect the environment and create more inviting neighbourhoods. Make your pledge as an individual, group or school here and find advice here.

DO BINOCULARS OUT!

Birdwatchers’ Christmas is just around the corner – yes, it’s almost spring migration time. Swallows, willow warblers, cuckoos and wheatears are all making their way back to the UK for the summer. The RSPB has an easy-to-understand guide that explains why and how birds migrate, and, of course, the organisation’s reserves across the country give twitchers front row seats for one of nature’s greatest shows. However, you don’t have to travel or make a special day out to enjoy the return; there’s are clever ideas to making birding fun for kids here, while the RSPB’s bird identifier is an invaluable tool for any ornithologist If you get really keen, this app helps keep your sightings logged and in order.

WHAT WE’RE READING



Now That My Kids Are Grown, I’m Learning To Love Being Single: “I’m a single mom of four adult sons. Years ago, every decision I had to make — every thought I had, practically — was about my children. And even though I’m nearly 50, and my kids have grown up and moved out, my mind hasn’t caught up. I’m still thinking about who has a permission slip to sign, who needs clean socks, who was too quiet at dinner last night, who needs money for football that I do not and never will have. Back then, I didn’t want to be her — that single mom, always pressed for time and energy and money. But now that the “mom” half of the equation feels like it’s in the past tense, I’m realizing that I don’t know how to be anything but her. ”

Read more here

How to bully-proof your kids for life: “Arm your kids with the right tools, and you’ll empower them against bullies – and stop them becoming one themselves.” Read more here

TAKE PART! We are looking for parents who have – intentionally or unintentionally – given birth without the assistance of a midwife or medical staff. Perhaps you chose to have your baby at home, or maybe your child came into the world unexpectedly. We’d love to speak to you for a sympathetic feature in The Green Parent. Please email [email protected] if you or someone you know might like to take part.