Parenting Without Tears

It's ages since I had a bean bag but with my toddler granddaughter insisting I sit on the floor with her to play games, reviewing the Classic Bean Bag Chair from Big Bertha Original seemed an opportunity not to be missed. The Lounge Pug Classic Bean Bag Chair is stylish and I chose the Forest Green version – there are five colours to choose from – which fits in with most colour schemes. It is light and easy to move from room to room.

Tension, a  great board game for families and and get-togethers over the festive season – and beyond. Players divide into two teams, each with a captain to score the opposing team's answers. A card is picked, the question posed, the timer turned and team one has to shout answers for 60 seconds. Only those on the score card count! You move your token the number of correct answers. If you land on a Whirlwind Space, your score is doubled so you move that number of spaces again.

At Dream Toys, one of this year's winners was the Primal Hatch Interactive Toy Dinsaur. Lizzie was transfixed when she saw a baby T. Rex hatching from its shell. Dinosaurs are another of her passions since she received a set of wooden stacking dinos and, of course, there's a certain CBeebies programme that's one of her favourites. The birth of this baby T. Rex is spectacular and sadly – as in life – a one off feature.

© The Other Richard For the 28th year Birmingham Rep presents its family Christmas classic, The Snowman, at Sadler’s Wells’ home in the West End, the Peacock Theatre, with a six-week run until  Sunday 4 January 2025. This year marks the 40th year anniversary of the classic Aled Jones recording, making the performance a special celebration of the beloved music. Seven years ago I took my eldest granddaughter to see The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre.

Spinmaster's Monster Jam Smash and Bash Grave Digger was one of the winners at this year's Dream Toys. Lizzie at aged two and a half was thrilled by the toy. She is besotted by diggers and large trucks in real life so one that is designed for little people to drive remotely is a dream  or a Christmas wish – come true. Lizzie was too shy to try the Grave Digger at Dream Toys and I proved myself incompetent. However we didn't see the full scope of what the vehicle can do.

When I received Build Your Own Marble Labyrinth Advent Calendar kit by Paper Engine Ltd – I thought "what have I let myself in for?" However it has been brilliant! Absolutely fabulous to work with and at times challenging- but definitely worthwhile persevering. The final product is amazing. This advent calendar is not for the faint hearted – it is engaging, develops patience, problem-solving and is beautifully made of high quality sustainable, biodegradable and sturdy cardboard.

This Blackbird set has been a real hit in our house, both as a toy and as an activity box. The blackbird toy itself is very cute, well made and feels sturdy enough to withstand being carried around, tucked into bed and generally loved rather enthusiastically by small children. It has that rare combination of being appealing to look at, nice to hold, and clearly built to last rather than feeling like a throwaway extra. The activities that come with it are genuinely thoughtfully designed.

The Hidden Wisdom of Animals is subtitled “Surprising Things We Can Learn From Nature” and is perfect for young naturalists, complete with some practical advice on creating homes for wildlife in your garden and keeping a record of observations as a “citizen scientist”. It's aimed at the eight to 12 age group and is full of fascinating facts that are presented as lessons to us humans (whom it doesn’t like much and the only downside here is a slightly preachy tone at times).

Merry Grinchmas – it's Competition time! This page is available to members only. Membership is free. Sign up to Parenting Without Tears here When you subscribe to Parenting Without Tears you will have access to the full content of the site. This will include: any articles not available via the public homepage, Special Offers and Competitions plus the opportunity to register to become a member of the Parenting Without Tears panel. Members may also send in their ideas and photos for great days out.

During the winter, the immune system faces additional stress due to colder temperatures and seasonal changes. Supporting the immune health proactively can therefore be particular beneficial. Numerous studies support the use of anthocyannin-rich foods and supplements, for improving health and warding off disease.