Family Life

How to Make Family Meetings Work for Stronger Bonds

Family meetings can be a great way for parents, foster carers, and children to connect, communicate, and strengthen their relationships. By setting aside dedicated time to check in, share feelings, and solve problems, families can gain understanding, improve cooperation , and build trust. Here are some tips for making your family meetings a success.

Schedule Regularly

The first step is to establish a consistent schedule for your family meetings. Sit down together and decide on a regular schedule that works for everyone, such as weekly or monthly. Mark it clearly in your calendars...

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Ellie Green

Ellie Green

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Free adult course on business start-ups to launch at Exeter College

Authored by stephendixon
Posted: Tue, 11/26/2019 - 12:19pm

Hopeful business entrepreneurs are being given the chance to level up their skills thanks to Exeter College’s free qualification on creating a business start-up.

Any adult with an interest in developing their business skills or starting their own venture can attend free of charge, whether they are just curious about the subject area or already have some skills they want to develop.

This part time course, which will provide learners with a NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Creating a Business Start-Up, is designed for those who want to gain an understanding of how businesses are...

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Woman holding certificate

Santa’s Magical Kingdom at Otter Garden Centres is Runner Up in the Best Seasonal Event Category in the prestigious Primary Times Reader Star Awards 2019!

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Mon, 11/25/2019 - 10:25am

The best of what Devon has to offer families is revealed in the results of this year’s Primary Times Star Awards, as voted for by parents of children aged 4 to 11 years in the county. This year saw the greatest ever response to the Primary Times online survey where readers voted for their favourite local family friendly places and people.

Local parents were informed of the survey in Primary Times, a family friendly magazine that is delivered directly to primary schools across Devon. With a distribution of 59,000 copies the magazine reaches 307 primary schools in the county....

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Exeter College's Festival of Carols set to kick off Christmas

Authored by stephendixon
Posted: Mon, 11/18/2019 - 12:17pm

Date: 5th December 2019

Location: Exeter Cathedral

Timings: Doors open 6.30pm, 7.30pm start

Admission: Free, donations to college charities welcomed

Exeter College’s annual Festival of Carols will be kicking off Christmas in the stunning setting of Exeter Cathedral, complete with performances from college students; all in the name of charity.

The evening starts with a candle lit procession through the nave followed by performances from Exeter College students, orchestra and choir. The event is free to attend but collection boxes will be available...

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How to prepare your child for their first Holy Communion

Authored by Sam Richards
Posted: Tue, 11/12/2019 - 10:43am

Getting your child ready for their first Holy Communion is an exciting time for both you as a parent and for your child. However, it can also be extremely nerve-wracking for them, with many elements that they need to learn, as well as the big day itself in which your child will have to stand in front of their family and friends and accept the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

This is why it is so important for your child to be adequately prepared for what is arguably the most important religious occasion of their life.

Make sure your child attends Sunday Mass

How can...

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Crealy Christmas Spectacular billed as the biggest festive event in the South West

Crealy Theme Park & Resort’s Christmas Spectacular 2019 offers all day family festivities and a glittering new ice show.

Packed full of Christmas family fun and entertainment, the event has been billed by the park as “the biggest Christmas event in the South West”.

Josh Haywood, General Manager at Crealy, said: “This all day experience is the biggest and best value Christmas event in the South West and is guaranteed to be the most magical day out for the whole family.”

As part of their ticket, guests will be seated in the new permanent Arena and taken on a...

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New plans revealed for Tickety-Boo

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Mon, 10/21/2019 - 10:34am

Stuart Phillips, owner of Ottery St Mary coffee shop Tickety-Boo has announced plans for the business following the closure earlier this month of the play area.

The move means that not only will the play area still be usable – albeit on different terms than before - but there will be new activities available for younger children.

This is because the back section of the building which formerly housed the soft play and pirate ship is being rented to Baby Sensory. This award-winning initiative runs WOW programmes for babies and children from birth to Key Stage 1.

Jen...

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5 Christmas gift ideas for kids under 5

Authored by Claire Small
Posted: Thu, 10/17/2019 - 11:11am

Forget that it is October. Christmas is a few weeks away, and some parents are already compiling their shopping list ahead of time. While toys serve as delightful presents for kids, stationery items are also excellent gifts for art-loving children who have so much time on their hands during the holiday.

Furthermore, stationeries are cheap gifts that can help children under five years be better at journaling, drawing, scribbling, doodling, and so on. Stores like TheWorks.co.uk make life more comfortable by offering online shopping for kids’ stationery.

Wondering which fun...

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Devon appeals for adopters to come forward as number of children waiting increases

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 10/16/2019 - 7:42am

Adoption agencies in Devon are working together this National Adoption Week (14-20 October) to appeal for potential adopters to come forward. This comes as numbers of adopters drop to an all-time low in the county and the number of children waiting continues to grow.

Regional Adoption Agency, Adopt South West, and independent adoption charity Families for Children are specifically looking for adopters who will consider adopting a sibling group. If adoptive families cannot be found soon then it is likely that these brothers and sisters will be separated.

Local figures...

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How to choose a collapsible wagon for kids

When your toddlers grow up and need more space than a stroller, you should consider a toddler’s wagon. It has enough space not only for your kids but also for their necessities. Depending on your need, you can purchase two-seated wagon or three-seated wagon.

Toddlers wagon allow you to carry your kids along with their requirements easily in the park, beach or school. They are straightforward to carry. If you have a look at other mums, you will see that they are using the wagon for kids where they need it. You can also keep a toddler wagon with you on the go. There are different...

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Two adults and two children run through trees in the dark

Shaun the Sheep is on the run this Halloween at Haldon Forest Park

Join Haldon Forest Park this Halloween for a Shaun the Sheep Farmageddon Glow Run !

To celebrate Aardman’s new film A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, in cinemas 18 October, Shaun the Sheep welcomes all the family to enjoy this spooktacular 3km glow run on 30 October.

The route through the trees is lit up with fantastic colour and characters from the film are there to guide your way... but beware the Hazmats! Runners each receive a pair of Shaun the Sheep ears to decorate with UV paint to really make you glow before you venture into the forest.

Music and chat...

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