Families South West London Magazine

Families South West London Magazine Parenting magazine. Useful and inspiring information for parents with children 0-12yrs in SW London

Things to do, parenting magazine, information, what's on... Useful and inspiring information for parents with children 0-12yrs in SW London. Tips and links for local parents and small business support/connections.

None of us like to be criticised or rejected but Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria is different. While most people can re...
14/09/2026

None of us like to be criticised or rejected but Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria is different.

While most people can recognise these feelings, rationalise them, feel bad then move on, people with RSD experience them as ...

💔Physically painful, (tight chest, palpitations)
🫠All-consuming
💥Disproportionate to the event that triggered them.
😭Massive feelings of shame.

Five signs your child might be struggling with rejection sensitivity:

1⃣Does your child react with anger or sadness in response to minor criticisms or perceived failures?

2⃣Do they insist everything has to be perfect or avoid tasks and thus failure?

3⃣Are they people-pleasers?

4⃣Do they have low self-esteem?

5⃣Does feeling criticised or rejected cause them physical pain?

Then your child may have rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD).

It is often seen in people with ADHD.

"Watching your child snap from being completely fine to completely devastated can be traumatic. The tiniest correction to their behaviour can cause them to lash out verbally or withdraw emotionally, which can be very hard to parent effectively and compassionately," according to author Alex Partridge.

Parenting a child with RSD

1⃣ The first step in managing your child’s RSD is to explain the way their brain perceives criticism and how their emotional responses will be intense. Highlight that there’s nothing wrong with this. Start this conversation at a peaceful time, when their brain is regulated and free from stress.

For the full article on RSD go to >>>
families online.co.uk
or follow for more parent tips on RSD.

Alex Partridge hosts the ADHD Chatter podcast and is author of
Why Does Everybody Hate Me?: Living and Loving with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria Sheldon Press - available now.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents RoSPA inspects children's playgrounds and estimates there are approx...
10/09/2026

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents RoSPA inspects children's playgrounds and estimates there are approximately 40,000 injuries to children on playgrounds each year which result in a hospital visit.

Of the equipment involved in fall injuries, the figures suggest these percentages:

Swings 40%
Climbers 23%
Slides 21%
Roundabouts 5%
See-Saws 4%
Fireman’s Poles 1%
Others 6%

This does not mean swings are more dangerous – just that there are more of them and they are more popular.

One of the most dangerous items on the playground are overhead bars which rotate.

The accident statistics show that injuries as a result of accidents occur for several other reasons

Not all accidents are related to the equipment – perhaps as few as 40% – and of these 80% result in a fall to the surface.

Of the remaining accidents, at least 4% involve children being struck by a swing seat (although the resultant injury is usually not serious), a similar number being bitten by dogs and being cut by glass.

The other top causes:
Poor equipment design or failure to comply to Standards
Poor design and layout
Unsuitable equipment for the intended age group
Incorrect installation
Poor inspection
Poor maintenance
Lack of supervision
‘Misuse’ of equipment
Unsuitable clothes
Weather conditions

Expect a lot of communicationThe first few weeks usually involve lots of practical information about routines, homework,...
09/09/2026

Expect a lot of communication

The first few weeks usually involve lots of practical information about routines, homework, PE days, reading, clubs, and trips.

Expect routines and behaviour expectations to be prioritised over academics

At the start of the school year, teachers often focus heavily on routines, relationships, and behaviour expectations before moving fully into academic work. Children spend time practising everyday routines such as lining up, organising belongings, moving around the classroom, and working with others.

You may also hear lots about class rules, rewards, or school values during these first weeks, as teachers establish expectations for the year ahead.

So don’t worry if your child hasn’t actually mentioned what they are learning in the first week or so!

Expect baseline assessments and early observations

The first few weeks are also a time when teachers assess where children are academically after the summer break – as there is often a dip in academic attainment, which is completely normal.

Schools often carry out baseline assessments, reading checks, phonics activities or short maths tasks to identify strengths, gaps in learning, and any children who may need additional support.

For Reception children, this includes the statutory Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA), completed within the first six weeks of school. These assessments are informal and not something children need to prepare for.

Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.

08/09/2026

"SCHOOL OPEN DAYS-
👓 WHAT TO LOOK FOR

What should I look for on a school visit?

Most schools hold Open Events during the autumn term and these often include presentations from teachers and the headteacher, as well as presentations to help parents prepare for school.

A tour of the school may be on offer during an Open Event and this can offer the chance to see the school in action.

If possible, try to visit during a normal school day. This allows you to see children engaged in learning and gauge whether they are happy and settled.

You may have the chance to speak to current pupils at school which can be very helpful. Children give the most honest insight into daily school life.


Caroline Vickery-Clark works at MET Academies an inclusive multi-academy trust serving Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Her

"When you visit, try to look beyond the buildings and focus on the atmosphere. Do the children look happy, settled and engaged in their learning?
Are staff welcoming and confident in how they talk about the school?
Speak to the teacher to find out about the curriculum and their approach to education.
It is also helpful to speak to the headteacher, as this gives insight into the school’s values, priorities and approach to learning. Every school is different and this is your opportunity to understand what matters most to school leaders.
If possible, involve your child in the visit too. Their interaction with teachers and their opinions can be very telling. "

Find more from Caroline and other education experts at Families UK
Another good source of information.... The Good Schools Guide

🎶🎶🎶PERFORM CLASSES IN SOUTH WEST LONDONBOOK NOW FOR THE NEW TERM🎤 Try a confidence-boosting Perform class⭐⭐⭐This autumn,...
08/09/2026

🎶🎶🎶PERFORM CLASSES IN SOUTH WEST LONDON
BOOK NOW FOR THE NEW TERM

🎤 Try a confidence-boosting Perform class⭐⭐⭐

This autumn, help your child build confidence, creativity and social skills with Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for ages 4 to 7 and 7 to 12.

Children have the chance to shine in a magical end-of-term performance: Super Hero School for ages 4 to 7 and Jack and the Wonderbeans for ages 7 to 12.

FREE trial class available.

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book
Find a class near you.



Perform Kensington
St Stephen's Church Hall, 48 Emperor's Gate, London, SW7 4HJ

Perform Chelsea
The Hut, Alpha Place, Chelsea, London, SW3 5SY

Perform Kensington
Kensington URC, Kensington United Reformed Church, Allen Street, London, W8 6BL

Perform Bayswater
St Matthew's Church, 29 St Petersburgh Place, Bayswater, London, W2 4LA

Perform Pimlico
Holy Apostles Church Hall, Priests House, 47 Cumberland Street, London, SW1V 4LY

Perform Chelsea
The Hut, Alpha Place, Chelsea, London, SW3 5SY

Perform Battersea
All Saints Church Hall, 100 Prince Of Wales Drive, Battersea, London, SW11 4BD

Perform Nine Elms
St Georges Church Nine Elms, 11 Patmore Street, Battersea, London, SW8 4JD

See the website for other venues across SOUTH WEST LONDON

Perform


THE most important thing you can do to prepare for parents evening ..take a look at your child’s schoolwork and talk to ...
07/09/2026

THE most important thing you can do to prepare for parents evening ..take a look at your child’s schoolwork and talk to them about it.

Then ask these questions:

What have they been doing?
What sort of marks are they receiving?
Are there some subjects where they are consistently receiving high or low marks?
Ask what they think of their schoolwork.
Do they like it?
Is it enjoyable or fun?
Which subjects do they like most?
Which ones do they dislike or struggle with?
For more ideas on how to prepare for parents evening see Families Magazine online or in print.
Families UK

🍎Prep school for boys - St Philip's in SW7Aged 4 to 13💥BOOK NOW FOR OPEN DAYS:Thursday, 24th September 2026Thursday, 5th...
07/09/2026

🍎Prep school for boys - St Philip's in SW7
Aged 4 to 13
💥BOOK NOW FOR OPEN DAYS:
Thursday, 24th September 2026
Thursday, 5th November 2026

First ever Reception class opened in September 2024

Since 2019, almost half of boys have moved onto Eton, Harrow, City of London or Dulwich.

6 Wetherby Place SW7 4NE
0207 373 3944
[email protected]

One of the most helpful things parents can do is make maths feel normal, not frighteningChildren often hear adults say t...
03/09/2026

One of the most helpful things parents can do is make maths feel normal, not frightening

Children often hear adults say things like: ‘I was never good at maths either.’ Although this may be meant kindly, it can accidentally suggest that maths ability is fixed. A better message is: ‘You might not understand it yet but we can work it out step by step.’

Upper primary maths depends heavily on foundations

Times tables, number bonds, place value and basic fractions all support later topics. If these are shaky, harder questions can feel overwhelming. Short, regular practice is usually more effective than long sessions. Five to ten minutes of focused recall, a few times a week, can help children feel more secure.

It also helps to talk through mistakes calmly

When a child gets an answer wrong, try asking: ‘Where did it start to go wrong?’ rather than ‘Why did you get that wrong?’ This turns mistakes into information. Perhaps your child misread the question, forgot a times table, rushed a step or chose the wrong operation. Once the pattern is clear, the solution becomes easier.

Building confidence in upper primary school gives children a stronger base before that transition. It also helps them approach new topics with less panic and more willingness to try.

Ksenia Volgemut is from Battersea House, a UK-based online tutoring platform supporting students from primary through GCSE and A-level. Families can claim their first session FREE via families online.co.uk.

BeaniebopsSW15 offers engaging play and music classes. For children aged 0 to 4 in Putney. Through movement, music and ...
03/09/2026

Beaniebops
SW15

offers engaging play and music classes.
For children aged 0 to 4 in Putney.

Through movement, music and interactive activities, classes build confidence, develop creativity and encourage social interaction in age-appropriate groups for pre-school children of all abilities.

www.beaniebops.com

📣 OPEN MORNING DATES ANNOUNCED!THE DUKE OF YORK ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL is opening its doors for a series of Open Mornings...
03/09/2026

📣 OPEN MORNING DATES ANNOUNCED!

THE DUKE OF YORK ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL is opening its doors for a series of Open Mornings this autumn and winter:
📅 12 & 26 September | 3 October | 14 November | 5 December

With VAT now added to independent school fees, families are looking more closely at the value they receive.

At The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, "exceptional education, outstanding opportunities and unrivalled pastoral care" are available from under £5,000 per term.

🌳🌳🌳Set in 150 acres of Kent countryside and ranked in the top 5% nationally for GCSE progress.

Spaces are limited so secure your place today: https://www.doyrms.com/admissions/enquiry-form/

Address

Balham

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+447915181277

Website

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