I'm writing this in 2020. Although lockdown has just ended where we are, there are still huge restrictions on what we're able to do during Advent, and I know people are concerned they won't be able to take part in their usual Advent traditions this year. Live church services, Christingles, … [Read more...] about HOW TO CELEBRATE ADVENT AT HOME
Family Life
Whether you're looking for support in parenting or marriage, education or homemaking, this is the page for you. Feel free to browse, and if there's something you'd like to see, don't hesitate to give me a shout!
HELPING OUR CHILDREN MANAGE THEIR EMOTIONS AROUND CHRISTMAS
I know my children aren't alone in experiencing high levels of anxiety, worry and stress around Christmas. They were adopted at 14 months - but even now, at 6, there are a lot of nerves surrounding any kind of transition or change in routine. Lots of children find this time of year difficult. … [Read more...] about HELPING OUR CHILDREN MANAGE THEIR EMOTIONS AROUND CHRISTMAS
A CHRISTIAN PARENTING BOOK FOR SINGLE PARENTS
I've long had a particular admiration for those of my friends who are single parents. I even wrote about single parenting here. Let me be clear: I have a husband, and parenting STILL stretches me to the end of my resources and then some. (In fact, sometimes I say I have five children, because - … [Read more...] about A CHRISTIAN PARENTING BOOK FOR SINGLE PARENTS
HOW SHOULD I TEACH RACIAL EQUALITY TO MY KIDS? (4 BAME FAMILIES SPEAK UP)
It’s been a thought-provoking few months in terms of racial injustice and equality campaigning. Motivated by the tragic death of George Floyd, people the world over have been asking themselves how such overt examples of racism can still be happening – and discovering that systemic racism is, very … [Read more...] about HOW SHOULD I TEACH RACIAL EQUALITY TO MY KIDS? (4 BAME FAMILIES SPEAK UP)
12 CHRISTIAN HALLOWEEN PARTY IDEAS (WHICH DON’T CELEBRATE THE SCARY STUFF!)
Every year, Halloween rolls around sooner than I'm expecting. And every year, I feel like I've once again failed to come to any workable conclusion about whether we should or shouldn't participate as Christians, and where our boundaries lie. Last year, I expressed some of this in my post … [Read more...] about 12 CHRISTIAN HALLOWEEN PARTY IDEAS (WHICH DON’T CELEBRATE THE SCARY STUFF!)
DOES POCKET MONEY ‘SPOIL THE CHILD’ – OR TEACH INDEPENDENCE?
I've been wanting to write about pocket money for SO LONG! Not because it's an area I have all the answers to, but because there are so many interesting questions around it (like "Does pocket money spoil the child?" - a big one on Google!), and ideas for how to make it work beautifully. I've … [Read more...] about DOES POCKET MONEY ‘SPOIL THE CHILD’ – OR TEACH INDEPENDENCE?
HOW HISTORICAL FICTION CAN HELP US TEACH OUR CHILDREN ABOUT RACIAL EQUALITY
The tragic death of George Floyd, and the riots, injuries and deaths which have taken place since then, woke many of us up to systemic injustices when it comes to racial equality. And because many of these injustices are a direct result of actions taken many years ago, it's become increasingly … [Read more...] about HOW HISTORICAL FICTION CAN HELP US TEACH OUR CHILDREN ABOUT RACIAL EQUALITY
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK A SECONDARY SCHOOL?
I've been a mum for nearly 11 years. It feels like my main career - but, way back in the distant recesses of time, I was a secondary Music teacher. I taught for three years, then did another three as Head of Department in a different school. A brief experience, maybe, but enough to be pretty … [Read more...] about WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK A SECONDARY SCHOOL?
20 CARE PACKAGE IDEAS FOR A KID WITH A BROKEN ARM
Do you know what I used to say about my kids? How incredible it was that none of them had ever broken a limb. I mean, if you've ever seen my kids, you'll understand why. They are always climbing things, jumping off things, swinging on things, pushing the boundaries of what might be considered … [Read more...] about 20 CARE PACKAGE IDEAS FOR A KID WITH A BROKEN ARM