Dear friend,

Happy New Year!

Now you’ve got your new calendar up, how about arranging a date to meet up with your team – perhaps to have an evening out, or to plan for the year ahead? In my experience, it can be almost impossible to find time away from the toddler group when you can all meet up. So my advice is to plan well in advance!

Thank you to everyone who has been writing in to Playtime. To start off the year, I thought I’d give you a round-up of stories from toddler groups around the country – I hope you find them encouraging. And do write in with your own news, ideas and crafts.

I hope you and your group have a fantastic 2009!

Naomi Buckler, Care for the Family
www.engagetoday.org.uk/playtime

PS There are still a few days left to apply for the Playtime Co-ordinator job vacancy – the closing date is 9 January. Go to www.careforthefamily.org.uk/jobs to find out more. But in case you’re wondering – I’m still planning to be involved with Playtime!

Thank you to everyone who responded to the last issue of the Playtime email newsletter, about how it’s sometimes hard to keep going. It was good to be able to hear honest stories about how we all have ups and downs in running our groups – and life in general. I hope these stories will encourage you.

• Jo from Daniel’s Den tells us about their exciting new fundraising venture.
• Sue from Manchester writes honestly about keeping the vision and enthusiasm going.
• Angela from Whitley Bay shares some great new ideas from their group.

Here’s the latest news – and details of what’s happening around the country...

Healthy lifestyle

Would your toddler group like to promote exercise and healthy eating? If so, Change4Life needs your energy and experience. Set to launch in January 2009, it aims to change the nation’s eating habits, encourage more active lifestyles and help stem the rising tide of childhood obesity, by building a broad coalition from all walks of life to help families be more active, eat better and live longer.

To find out more and register your interest in becoming a local partner of Change4Life, visit www.change4life.co.uk or call 0300 123 3434.

You may also be interested in running a Bible-based fitness club for mums. Visit www.fitforlifeforever.org to find out more.

Motherhood – a Roller Coaster Ride 2009

Join Dianne Parsons and her guests for an evening of fun and humour, mixed with down-to-earth, practical advice.

Motherhood – a roller coaster ride is visiting the following towns this spring:

    Sheffield – Tuesday 10 March
    Preston – Wednesday 11 March
    Stoke-on-Trent – Wednesday 25 March
    Manchester – Thursday 26 March

Tickets for the evening are only £6 each. Bring the mums from your group and take advantage of the group booking offer: buy four or more tickets for just £5 each – saving £1 per ticket!

You can book your tickets and find out more at www.careforthefamily.org.uk/mum

Other events around the country

Here’s a quick reminder of other upcoming events:

Children’s Ministry Conference: Eastbourne, Friday 23 to Sunday 25 January

Once again this year there is a specialist ‘Under 5s’ stream. You’ll hear from several people who have been guest speakers at Care for the Family’s Playtime conferences in the past. Visit their website to find out more.

Scripture Union Tiddlywinks Training – Ministry with Under 5s: London, Friday 7 March

Working with young children is a demanding but exciting ministry, with a growing recognition within the church. Explore how young children develop and express their faith, and how this can be nurtured this through a variety of activities. Find out more on the Scripture Union website.

World Book Day: Thursday 5 March

You can now register your toddler group for the free £1 book tokens and find out more at www.worldbookday.com – you could also contact your local Usborne rep to see if they will come to visit you.

This issue of ‘Small talk’ encourages parents to make the most of every day they have with their young child.

Colour PDF for printing as a poster
Black and white PDF for photocopying

The information in this newsletter is supplied in good faith, but Care for the Family cannot accept responsibility for any advice or recommendations made by other organisations, resources or websites.