Here in the UK, we're coming to the end of our school year - some of you may have already finished, while others of us have another week to go (roll on, July 19th!). I wonder how the last year has gone for your kids? Did they work hard? Exceed expectations? Cement some fabulous friendships? … [Read more...] about FANTASTIC PEOPLE WHO DARED TO FAIL – REVIEW
10 IDEAS FOR SURVIVING SUMMER WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Back in the days when I had two small, preschool-aged children, I used to dread the long summer. Throughout term-time we enjoyed a range of toddler groups and classes (like our wonderful Suzuki Music group), but when it came to the summer holidays, these all closed down. The friends who I'd … [Read more...] about 10 IDEAS FOR SURVIVING SUMMER WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
100 FREE OR CHEAP SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Summer's here, and the holidays are looming - which, if you're a parent of school-aged kids, means kiddoes everywhere, all the time - argh! Someone pass me the gin. Before you start with the sand and the shovel, though, I have good news for you: here are 100 free or cheap summer activities for … [Read more...] about 100 FREE OR CHEAP SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
A FATHER’S ROAD TO ADOPTION
Is anyone else scrabbling about, the day before Fathers' Day, trying to think of a suitable gift for their kids' dad? Or is it just me? DesertDad is incredibly difficult to buy for. He doesn't really want anything, bar a decent whisky, and then I'm caught between whether it's appropriate for … [Read more...] about A FATHER’S ROAD TO ADOPTION
HELPING CHILDREN CONNECT WITH GOD IN THEIR EVERYDAY EXPERIENCES
Have you ever had a heart-to-heart with your child and wondered how to encourage them to connect with God about it all? Do you sometimes find yourself giving your kids a pep talk, but feeling it's all just a little bit hollow? Would you like to offer your kids something more solid when they're … [Read more...] about HELPING CHILDREN CONNECT WITH GOD IN THEIR EVERYDAY EXPERIENCES
MOTHERS’ DAY AND BABY LOSS
Approximately 1 in 8 pregnancies end in miscarriage. It's a startlingly high figure, and I count myself as guiltily fortunate to be excluded from it. But so many of my friends have experienced miscarriage in a variety of ways, at a variety of stages, that despite being daily driven up the wall by … [Read more...] about MOTHERS’ DAY AND BABY LOSS
SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 6: CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM A CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL MUM
Wow. If you haven't read this week's Home Ed stories, please find a moment to grab a cuppa and go through them. They're such a diverse bunch of stories, and it was my pleasure to commission and edit them. As I did so, I found my preconceptions hugely challenged - and maybe you will too. I … [Read more...] about SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 6: CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM A CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL MUM
SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 5: THE INDIVIDUALISED HOME EDUCATOR
In all the stories I've shared so far this week (click here to start with the first), home education is done as a family, for all children in the home. But what happens when just one of your children is struggling with mainstream school, and the others are coping well? Becky tells us … [Read more...] about SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 5: THE INDIVIDUALISED HOME EDUCATOR
SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 4: THE RELUCTANT HOME EDUCATOR
Half-way through this series, and we've heard three very different stories of arriving at home education - Lizzie, who wanted to be able to try out different ideas for learning and play; Jenny, who didn't want to miss out on time with her children; and Louisa, who knew her son needed her undivided … [Read more...] about SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 4: THE RELUCTANT HOME EDUCATOR