Tag: Children and Families

10 expert lessons to teach your children about money

Finance can be a difficult topic to tackle with young children, but teaching them to have a healthy relationship with money from a young age is important to lots of parents around the globe. 

With this in mind, financial experts from money.co.uk have compiled a list of their top 10 tips for teaching your children about money. 
 

1.       Start with the basics of money and finance 

How you introduce money to your children will partly depend on their age. A good place to start is getting children comfortable handling cash and coins. Explain to them how money is used to buy things and that it must be earned before it can be spent.  

2.       Speak openly about small financial decisions  

Start getting your child involved with minor financial decisions, such as which brands and items to buy when shopping. This way your child is able to understand the decisions you make while also feeling in control of certain financial choices. 

Older children could also help with budgeting while shopping if you ask them to keep a running total of the items you buy. Not only will this help their maths skills, but it can also help them to understand how small items can still add up in price and not everything is affordable on a budget. 

3.       Try simple games and toys with younger children 

Creating easy monetary games such as counting pennies can help your child understand the value of different denominations of money. Try using a pile of 1p coins and asking your child to match the number of coins to the price of a higher value coin, such as 10p or 50p. 

4.       Set a good example with your own finances 

There’s no two ways about it, children learn money habits from their parents. Showing them small activities such as checking the receipt after your shop or putting money into savings can start developing positive habits from a young age. 

Encourage your child to ask questions without repercussion in this setting. While you might not necessarily have all the answers, opening up a dialogue is a healthy way for your child to learn more about finance. 

5.       Use pocket money as an incentive for small tasks 

Using pocket money as an incentive to do chores around the house not only helps you, but it also helps your child learn more about the value of money and what it takes to earn it. Creating a simple plan with a set amount of money for different tasks, along with caps per week or month, is a great way to help your child start understanding where money comes from. 

6.       Use pocket money to teach children how to save 

Alongside teaching children the relationship between work and money, household chores and pocket money is also a great opportunity to show children how to save. If your child has shown interest in a more expensive purchase, you could set them up with an old-fashioned piggy bank where they can ‘deposit’ their earnings or chart for them to fill out so they can track how much money they have.  

7.       Reward them by learning about interest 

Paying small amounts of interest on the money your child has saved is a helpful way to encourage them to keep saving. Older children will be delighted to learn that the interest they earned last week can be used to earn more interest if they save until next week. 

8.       Use trips to the shop to learn about saving vs. spending 

Another practical way to teach a child about the benefits of saving is by visiting shops. Allow them full control of their own money on the understanding that if they don’t have enough they won’t be able to borrow any more. The more they feel in control of their own finances, the more they will be able to make sensible decisions when it comes to spending or saving. 

9.       Use digital tools with older children 

There are a whole range of online tools for teaching older children about online banking and using cards for payments. One of the leading products on the market is GoHenry, which is suitable for those aged six and up, costs £2.99 a month and allows parents to set strict spending limits, monitor what their kids are buying and where they are spending their money. 

10.   Teach older children about selling old toys for extra money 

If you don’t want to give your child pocket money, teaching them about ways to earn money for themselves is a helpful alternative. 

When they’re old enough, you could ask your child to go through their old toys, books and clothes and set aside which ones they’d like to sell.

You can then sell these on their behalf through online auction sites such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Not only is this a great way for your child to feel independent in earning their own money, it presents an opportunity to also discuss how to use the internet safely. 

Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert from money.co.uk, speaks about why teaching children how to handle money from a young age is so beneficial. 

“Creating an environment in which you are able to speak more openly with your children about your financial decisions is vital to engaging them from a young age on the value of money. Showing them how to make choices when shopping will set up good habits and understanding of managing money. 

“It’s important to make sure your lessons are age-appropriate and that you continue to involve and teach your children about money as they grow. A healthy relationship with finances starts at a young age, and children learn most of their habits from their parents.” 

https://www.money.co.uk/share-dealing.htm

Adoption Week Scotland: The Current Face of Adoption

  • Kayden (10) shows how changes in adoption have benefitted families
  • Adoption Week Scotland 2021 shines a light on The Current Face of Adoption

When ten-year-old Kayden was adopted, his new parents told him that his family was growing bigger, not smaller.

Kayden had been in the care of foster parents in Midlothian as his birth mother was unable to provide the care he needed. When Lee Robertshaw and Dale Briggs adopted him in 2016, they knew how important it was that his existing relationships were maintained, even though they live in Yorkshire.

So ever since the adoption, Lee and Dale have made sure that Kayden stays in touch with his foster family and his brother, who still lives with his gran in Scotland. The families exchange birthday and Christmas gifts, catch up on Facetime, and regularly spend holidays together – and the benefits to Kayden have been obvious.

“I think the most important thing has been that Kayden knows those people who he knew and loved in Scotland are still a part of his life,” Lee explained. “We tell him ‘your family got bigger, not smaller’, which has been really important to him.”

The family also stays in contact with Kayden’s mother, seeing her once a year with hopes that this might become more regular in the future.

Lee said: “It was important for us that Kayden saw his mum and his dads were not in conflict with each other, giving Kayden permission to secure his attachment to us. This has been very positive for Kayden, and just shows how important life story work is in giving children a window to understanding their past.”

Contact with birth families and previous carers such as this would have been rare, if not impossible just a few decades ago, but has become increasingly common in recent years as adoption services have recognised how important prior relationships are to adopted children. Our recent Adoption Barometer report found that 28% of children who did not have formal contact arrangements in place had contacted their birth family informally, which can lead to devastating impacts on their mental health and family stability.

That’s why the theme of this year’s Adoption Week Scotland is ‘The Current Face of Adoption’, as organisers Adoption UK Scotland and Adoption and Fostering Alliance (AFA) Scotland aim to challenge misconceptions about adoption and celebrate how things have improved for adoptive families.

With a host of events and webinars covering topics such as staying in contact with birth families and siblings, understanding early-years trauma, and current developments in therapeutic parenting, Adoption Week Scotland offers something for anyone involved in adoption, whether they’re adoptive parents, adopted people, or professionals working in family care.

Fiona Aitken, Adoption UK Scotland Director, said: “We want to highlight the current issues and areas of importance for today’s adoptive families. Areas covered this year include the value of therapeutic parenting and engaging with children and families in a trauma-informed way, the importance of adoption support and services such as our TESSA and FASD Hub, and a focus on the importance of maintaining relationships. 

“It’s crucial to recognise that adoption comes with the need to consider the life story of children and individuals involved, including the wider family relationships that child may have. Recent legislation ensuring that brothers’ and sisters’ rights of contact are ensured should have a significant impact on the way we support adoptive families to keep their children’s sibling relationships in mind, and there is more to be done to explore the best way to manage contact arrangements with other birth family members. This year’s programme of events will include conversations on these important topics and more.”

Robin Duncan, AFA Scotland Director, said: “Adoption week is a great opportunity to highlight the way adoption now works and to challenge some of the misconceptions that hark back to practice from previous eras where adoption was often seen as demanding a clean break with the child’s past.

“There will be opportunities to hear about good examples of practice where children can maintain relationships with people who remain important to them. The week will also highlight the potential of therapeutic parenting and the need for trauma-informed practice as part of an approach that insists that support needs to be available to adoptive families to manage the predictable challenges they will face.” 

Clare Haughey, Minister for Children and Young People, said: “Adoption Week Scotland is our chance to say ‘thank you’ to all those involved and to celebrate the difference adoption is making to thousands of young people across Scotland.

“The themes that are being looked at over the week are all very relevant and important and we are working hard in partnership with the care sector and care experienced young people to make further improvements in these areas in line with our commitment to The Promise.”

Adoption Week Scotland 2021 runs from 15-19 November. To find out what’s on, visit the full programme of events at:

https://adoption.scot/adoption-week-2021

CASE STUDY – LEE ROBERTSHAW

Lee is 38, partner Dale Briggs is 37, their son Kayden is ten. They live in Yorkshire; Kayden was adopted from Midlothian in 2016:

 In 2015, Dale and I were looking to start a family and decided adoption was the right way to go. We were matched with Kayden in 2016. He had been staying with a foster family in Midlothian; his mum was unable provide the care a child needs.  

During the adoption process, we were introduced to Kayden’s foster family and developed a close relationship with them over the course of several meetings. We always saw a benefit in supporting Kayden’s existing relationships and nurturing positive ties with his past. So we’ve stayed in touch with them ever since, and now Kayden sees them in a grandparents’ role.

Since we adopted Kayden, we’ve been to visit his foster family regularly, as well as exchanging birthday and Christmas gifts and catching up on Facetime. We also visit Kayden’s brother, who still lives in Scotland with his gran, and whenever we can we book a week away in a cottage or caravan so everyone can get together to enjoy one another’s company.

Keeping in touch with his old life has been a massive benefit to Kayden. I think the most important thing has been that Kayden knows those people who he knew and loved in Scotland are still a part of his life. We tell him ‘your family got bigger, not smaller’, which has been really important to him.

Dale and I spent a lot of time on Kayden’s life story and he’s now starting to understand more about his early life – how nothing that happened was his fault, and how his dads are now his forever family. Of course, things haven’t always been easy. There was a time when Kayden went through a phase when he thought he’d been taken from his mum, but that became a way to open a new conversation and correct the narrative.

We’ve had amazing support from social workers since the day we began the adoption process. Kayden’s social worker in Midlothian did an amazing job preparing him for adoption.

He knew where he’d been and where he was going, all because of the life story work that had been done. And when we needed therapeutic support as we grew together as a family, we were able to reach out to our social worker for help.

It was also really encouraging that they dispelled the ‘old narrative’ of adoption – that Kayden would not be deprived of his past or feel like he had some huge secret that he would have to keep hidden.

We do keep contact with Kayden’s birth mum. We see her once a year, and hope this might become more regular in the future.

It was important for us that Kayden saw his mum and his dads were not in conflict with each other, giving Kayden permission to secure his attachment to us. This has been very positive for Kayden, and just shows how important life story work is in giving children a window to understanding their past.

Even harder winter predicted as new Aberlour survey reveals longer-term impact of poverty on their children

  • Survey reveals that 71% of parents in Scotland are worried about their family finances 
  • Seven in ten parents are also concerned about their children’s future chances 
  • 60% of parents are concerned about their children’s mental health and over half (55%) about their children keeping up with their education 
  • Younger and single parents are the most concerned 

Scottish children’s charity Aberlour has warned that a decade of rising and stagnated poverty levels in Scotland combined with the impact of the pandemic, the increasing cost of living and the end of the Universal Credit uplift, will have long-term implications for children and families living in Scotland’s most deprived areas.  

In response, Aberlour today launched its ‘Poverty to Hope Fundraising Appeal’ to support children and families through what is going to be a dark and hard winter – second time around. The charity knows that poverty, like COVID19 has long-term effects and is committed to supporting families throughout. As restrictions lift and life begins to resume as normal for many, the reality is not the same for the increasing numbers of families trapped in poverty.  

The Aberlour survey found that seven in ten parents are concerned about their children’s future chances, with more than half (55%) anxious about their children staying up to date at school. Meanwhile 60% of parents are worried about their children’s mental health. In addition to the Aberlour survey, Scottish Government statistics also shared the news that one in four children in Scotland are estimated to be living in poverty.  

Aberlour family support workers, featured in the new fundraising appeal, relay their everyday experiences of working with children and families swept up in the tide of poverty and struggling to keep their heads above water.

They report an increasing number of children missing out on life experiences, inadequate clothing, not sure where the next meal is coming from, afraid to put the heating on and fears around the long-term effects on children’s mental health and education. 

Wendy, Aberlour Family Support Worker says: “Children affected by poverty are losing out on life experiences. They are not getting the same opportunities as other children.

“Families are finding it hard to provide for their children and their basic needs are not being met. Children are going to bed without adequate bedding and with empty tummies. It’s heart-breaking.”   

Lisamarie, Aberlour Family Support Worker says: “For families caught in poverty there’s increased chances of poor mental health, domestic abuse, isolation and not making ends meet.

“Most of all, I worry about the children’s mental health and their future prospects.” 

This is set against a backdrop of really challenging circumstances for the poorest families. The combination of the end of furlough, reduction in the £20 uplift in Universal Credit, spiralling utility prices and cost of living and likelihood of interest rate rises is conspiring to make it an even longer, harder winter.  

Professor Morag Treanor from the Institute of Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-SPHERE) at Heriot-Watt University says: “This survey confirms what I and my colleagues are also finding.

“More and more Scottish families are being dragged under by the rising tide of poverty and are simply unable to keep their heads above water. The stress this puts on parents can be unbearable and results in multiple adverse effects on them and their children.”

Aberlour’s work to challenge this situation for families, working alongside them long term, offering support to the whole family as well as cash for the basics via their Urgent Assistance Fund is very powerful and I am pleased to support this important campaign.” 

The situation is reflected in rising demand for Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund which since March 2020 has given over £1.5m in cash handouts and short-term relief to 5,090 families and 10,927 children in poverty. The charity continues to be inundated with applications to its Urgent Assistance Fund this winter and funds are dwindling dangerously.  

SallyAnn Kelly, Aberlour Chief Executive says: “Over the past decade the number of children living in poverty has continued to rise and we have seen a corresponding rise in stress amongst struggling families.

“Then the pandemic hit and brought health, social and economic challenges – it’s been a perfect storm. Families, who were already struggling, are at breaking point, and as we’ve seen from the research parents are most concerned about their family finances and the mental health and future chances of their children.  

“Aberlour is committed to supporting families in the long term. We stand by children and families for as long as they need us and that can often be for many years. We strive to provide a beacon of hope for their future.  

 “We’ve launched our Poverty to Hope Appeal, to raise awareness of the desperate situation thousands of children and families are facing right now. We are asking the public to donate what they can this Christmas so that we can continue to offer long term support and hope to more children and their families.” 

Case study – Rory’s story  

Rory* had a bad start to life: his parents had separated, and Rory lived alone with his dad. After the separation, Dad was struggling to cope, and his house was not the ideal environment for a child to grow up in. Children are so perceptive, and Rory was seeing and witnessing things no child should. ​ 

Over the years, Aberlour did everything to make Rory’s home life better, but eventually something had to give. His older sister Lucy became Rory’s legal guardian, giving him the chance to grow up in a more stable, loving home.​ But one thing stood in the way: money. Lucy simply could not afford to buy an extra bed for Rory to sleep in, nor did she know how she would cope financially long term, having to raise two kids of her own. She was already trapped in poverty but was desperate to help Rory.​ Before Rory moved in with Lucy, he was falling behind in school. He’d lost all confidence and even begun to believe he was a failure. ​ 

After Rory moved in with Lucy, his grades improved dramatically. All it took was a safe and loving relationship, some quiet encouragement, and a laptop for Rory to do his schoolwork on, which Aberlour provided. After a while, Rory started coming along to the Youth Club, and thanks to his growing confidence, he shared with us that he had a dream of his own: that one day he would like to become a professional cyclist, like his hero Sir Chris Hoy. ​ 

Aberlour sourced bikes which were just in need of some love (and repairs). Rory learnt how to fix a bike himself and he’s now the proud owner of one. He’s also thinking about joining a cycling club. 

Anne, a family support worker for Aberlour said, ‘’I can hardly believe the change I’ve seen in Rory over the past few years: from a quiet, sad toddler, to a confident, warm young man, who’s daring to dream despite the challenges life throws at him.​’’ 

Too many of Scotland’s young people, who, like Rory, didn’t get the start in life they needed, are growing up with no hope. 

To donate, please visit: www.aberlour.org.uk/povertytohope 

The Chat Cafe’s back at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

MONDAYS at 11am

#ChatCafe is back

#FaceToFace in @RoystonWardieCC Mondays at 11am

Booking is essential so please contact carlasayer@pchp.org.uk 07595589343

#LivingInHarmony

#WomenSupportingWomen

#Granton

#Pilton

#Muirhouse

#WesterDrylaw

#Wardieburn

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Holyrood Committee launches inquiry into health and wellbeing of children and young people

An inquiry has been launched into the health and wellbeing of children and young people by a Scottish Parliament Committee.

The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is seeking to find out the key issues around health and wellbeing for children and young people in Scotland. They will investigate what the challenges and opportunities are for improving their health and wellbeing, and how addressing poverty can lead to improved health and social care outcomes.

The inquiry will focus on 4 key areas:

• Child poverty (including the Scottish Government’s current child poverty delivery plan), inequality and adverse childhood experiences;
• Issues affecting care experienced young people;
• Mental health, access to Child and Adult Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the importance of early intervention;
• Health and wellbeing in schools

Speaking as the inquiry launched, Gillian Martin MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “There are a whole host of factors which impact the health and wellbeing of our children and young people, and our Committee will consider these in detail.

“The physical and mental toll of the pandemic on children and young people cannot be overstated and we know that prior to this pandemic there was already a high and
increasing demand for youth mental health services in Scotland.

“As we emerge from the pandemic and with the Scottish Government’s current child poverty delivery plan due to run until 2022, our inquiry comes at a pivotal time. We are determined to find out how children and young people can best be supported to live healthy and flourishing lives.”

You can let the Committee know your views here: 

Inquiry into the Health And Wellbeing of Children And Young People – Scottish Parliament – Citizen Space

The call for views will close on 7 December 2021.

Mental health charity praises brave youngsters for speaking out about “invisible” illness

A mental health charity is praising its young ambassadors who are bravely speaking out about the challenges of living with “invisible” illness. 

Throughout this month Teapot Trust is raising awareness of the challenges children and young people face when living with a chronic and/or physical condition that has no obvious outward sign. A number of young people will be acting as ambassadors for the charity, talking about the impact living with these conditions has on their self esteem and mental health. 

Teapot Trust is a charity at the forefront of transformative mental health support for children, young people and families living with chronic conditions and has pioneered to introduce therapeutic art into pediatric out-patient clinics in UK hospitals to keep children distracted and calm in between invasive tests, injections and scans. Art therapy can help young people express their feelings and develop coping mechanisms when coming to terms with a diagnosis or dealing with a course of treatment. 

Daisy, who lives in the Highlands, is nine years old and suffers from juvenile arthritis. She has one-to-one online art therapy sessions with a Teapot Trust art therapist.

Daisy said: “Having arthritis is a pain. The Teapot Trust has really helped me with it. I’ve gotten to express a lot of emotions I normally wouldn’t have. Without it I would have just gotten so stressed. I would have stayed home more days and not managed to do a lot more stuff.

“At school sometimes I feel like I get bullied and that stresses me. It’s just difficult having arthritis and going to school at the same time.”

Sarah Randell, Chief Executive for Teapot Trust added: “Sadly, statistics show that a significant number of children and young people at risk of self-harm and suicide ideation have a chronic and/or physical health condition. The seemingly invisible nature of their condition can add to their sense of isolation making them feel like they’re suffering in silence.

“We’re incredibly proud of our young ambassadors who have decided to break this silence and talk about the challenges they face living with ‘invisible’ illness.”

During November Teapot Trust hopes to raise public awareness by highlighting the experience of young patients who live with an “invisible” illness. Individuals around Scotland are bravely speaking out to encourage others to access funded art therapy through the charity.

Festive dinosaurs set to dazzle at Blair Drummond Safari Park’s Christmas event

Blair Drummond Safari Park is gearing up for a spectacular Christmas season with the launch of their festive extravaganza on Friday 19th November.

Running until 23rd December, the family-friendly central Scotland destination is going ‘all out’ to make sure this year’s Christmas event delivers an unforgettable festive experience filled with animal magic, a German-style Christmas market, Scotland’s biggest Christmas tree, a twinkly fairy garden, Festive fairground rides… and, of course, dinosaur illuminations.

Food and drink will feature in abundance with firepits for roasting marshmallows, wood-fired pizza ovens and, for the adults, a gin bar from local Stirling Gin.

And of course, no festive attraction would be complete without the main attraction, Santa Claus! The main man will be travelling through the Safari Park in his sleigh to add to the excitement.

Blair Drummond Safari Park’s animals will also be part of the festive day-out with majestic lions, leggy giraffes, zippy zebras, and mischievous lemurs among the many two and four-legged friends adding to a truly special Christmas experience.

Head of Marketing, Liz Gunn of Blair Drummond Safari Park said: “This year we set out to create something truly special and we cannot wait to throw open our gates and watch the excitement unfold as little ones marvel at our festive dinosaurs, toast marshmallows on the fire pits, squeal with delight at the Christmas lights and watch with wonder as Santa glides past Scotland’s biggest Christmas tree on his sleigh.

“It is our favourite time of the year, and this year is even more special.”

Early bird tickets just £10.

Book online at www.blairdrummond.com

39 Scottish Primary Schools to begin mental wellbeing challenge

  • 39 Scottish schools start I Can’t to I Can mental wellbeing challenge on 8th November to build self-confidence, resilience and self-esteem mental ahead of Anti-Bullying Week
  • The 5-day Challenge was created as a response to anxiety pandemic amongst young people during these uncertain times
  • Half of all mental health conditions present themselves by the time a child reaches 14 but most cases remain undetected and untreated
  • I Can’t to I Can provides teachers with resources to teach simple brain hacks that can last a lifetime and turn around a child’s negative thinking within a week

The ongoing pandemic, concerns about climate change along with the endless horrific news headlines are enough for any young person to deal with. Add into the mix the normal issues of growing up magnified through the lens of social media and it’s no wonder that young people are 50% more likely to have a mental health problem than they were three years ago.

From 8th November, 39 schools in Scotland will be taking part in the RTT 5-Day ‘I Can’t to I Can’ mental wellbeing challenge.

The aim is to provide children aged 7 – 10 with a series of mind hacks to help build confidence, self-esteem and resilience. This will give them the mental stamina to cope with these challenging times and skills to support them throughout their life if they learn to practice them daily.

Available online, the free resource is based around the RTT concept of the inner cheerleader. Everyone is born with an inner cheerleader as without that driving force encouraging us, babies would give up after taking their first, unsuccessful attempt at anything.

Sadly, the inner critic can kick in as young as 5 which is why the skills taught in ‘I Can’t to I Can’ are so key and it takes just a week to instil positive new approaches in children aged 7 to 10.

Commenting on the challenge, Dr Sian Peer, therapist and Director of the RTT School said: ‘As a parent myself, I know how crippling anxiety can be for a young child. We wanted to share some of the incredible mental wellbeing tools that are the cornerstones of RTT to help primary school children understand and manage their emotions.

“The 5 Day Challenge provides teachers with a daily lesson plan over a week, each building on the learning from the previous day. There are videos, fun exercises and ideas to do at home making the whole experience interactive and memorable.’

Although most schools will participate in the challenge during the week of 8th November, the resources are going to be accessible to schools on an ongoing basis.

Schools interested can visit www.rtt.com/method

Edinburgh Leisure: It’s never too early to start getting active

Check out Edinburgh Leisure’s Young Explorer soft play membership

Inspire kids to get the active habit. With Edinburgh Leisure’s Young Explorer soft-play membership, children get to sample the world of sport and fitness from an early age. For those signing up to become a new member in November, December is completely free.*

From only £16.70** per month, the membership offers incredible value, fantastic flexibility and of course, will keep little ones entertained and burning off energy as they explore the amazing soft plays.

Membership is available to buy in venue or online.  Existing members referring friends will receive £15 cash back for each new soft play member they refer who joins. This should be done via the online form.

Little adventurers can enjoy fun in Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play venues across the city. 

We have Tumbles at Portobello and Scrambles at EICA: Ratho, while Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool is currently closed for maintenance and will be shutting temporarily for a refurbishment in January.

All visits must be booked in advance online or via the Edinburgh Leisure app.

Edinburgh Leisure’s play frames are suitable for children up to ten years old and there are frames for babies, toddlers and juniors.  Each venue has a café where healthy snacks and tasty treats can be enjoyed.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/softplaycampaign