Yes. That’s a new name at the top there. And though it looks Danish, I’m British. I’ve parented through everything from Ninja Turtles to Teletubbies, but questions like: “Where does the light go when you turn it off?”, “Why doesn’t our dog have a belly button?” and “Where do odd socks go to die?” still catch me out. And I still find dirty socks on the couch. Thinking back, I devised an effective remedy for that one with my ‘big boys’: first I introduced a clothing allowance and then I started snipping the ends off any socks found on or around the couch. That kept them on their toes. They got the message and only a couple of socks had to bite the dust – not that it’s dusty under my couch …
It broke my principle of making things last, but odd socks fit in nicely with this week’s theatre theme and my general aim of keeping one step ahead, channelling children’s imagination − rather than following them around wiping it off the walls.
Sock monsters are fun. Try the sock on your child’s hand – heel over the knuckles with toes forming the mouth – and mark the eyes etc before sticking or sewing them on. Fabric can run, so test it in water before using it on pale socks. You might want to wash the socks first too.
The listings below should inspire plenty of sock monster adventures back home. Otherwise, raid your bookcase for ideas: Little Red Riding Sock, The Ugly Sockling or, my personal favourite, Goldisocks and the three bears. Film the show and you’ll have ‘footage’ to show relatives online.
Older kids may enjoy making videos. After watching their favourite film again or visiting a cinema, hold a brainstorming session on characters and plot. They can draw or cut backdrops from old magazines, design costumes and ultimately film their own sequel. Disney recently took over Star Wars, so hand over a shoebox and challenge them to get out their LEGO and produce the next Star Wars adventure.
Of course, socks won’t cover it for Fastelavn on Sunday 10 February or when they celebrate it at school. A full costume is required. It’s a smashing opportunity to dress up. Literally. The costumes must leave arm room for swinging a bat at a barrel full of sweets. Don’t worry. If all else fails, Fætter BR toyshops have outfits to help children compete for the spotlight.
Don Q
Anemone Teatret near Nørreport Station has daytime performances especially for children. Check the website for relevant ages and times, as these change. Currently running, Don Q is an enchanting 40-minute story for children aged 3-8 with almost no words and very visual humour that will run until January 27. The café is always open one hour before and after each show.
Anemone Teatret, Suhmsgade 4, Cph K; tickets: adults 120kr, children 50kr, group discounts available; 3332 2249; www.anemoneteatret.dk
Tour a real theatre
Take a tour around Folketeatret. Here, Priors Dolls Theatre Museum has puppets and hand-painted sets behind glass showing the history of toy theatre. Not for young children.
Folketeatret, Nørregade 39, Cph K; first Mon of the month in Feb, March and April, 16:30-17:30; tickets 50kr, must be booked in advance at 3312 1845; www.folketeatret.dk
Snuggle up at the flicks
Reprise Teatret is a cosy contrast to large modern cinemas. Among the historical furnishings and plush seating you’ll find row four has twin seats where kids can cuddle up. Like many cinemas, it has a weekly babybio showing for parents with babies and prams. The soundtrack is occasionally dwarfed by babies gurgling, but that’s fine if you’re watching The Hobbit. To find out what’s on visit Findbio.dk for a list of all Danish cinemas with ratings and comments, and then book your tickets at Kino.dk – remember that ‘original tale’ means it has the original English, French etc soundtrack.
Reprise Teatret, Øverødvej 12, Holte; 4542 1026; www.reprisen.dk
Copenhagen Puppet Festival
And it wouldn’t be a very good first column without a mention of the Puppet Festival, which is currently scheduled for the very end of February. Watch this space for more details.
Details to be confirmed, scheduled Feb 28-March 3; www.puppetfestival.dk
