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?
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!
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
HOW DO I STOP FEELING LIKE A BAD MUM?
On a reasonably regular basis, I feel like a failure as a mum and wife. I would hazard a wild guess that you too have some days you feel like a bad mum. Maybe even a bit more regularly than 'some days'. There are days when I can't quite believe I've been put in charge of four kids - and not in … [Read more...] about HOW DO I STOP FEELING LIKE A BAD MUM?
25+ CULTURALLY DIVERSE STORIES FOR CHILDREN
If you're like me - well, firstly, please accept my sympathies. And secondly, you may have been left in a bit of a parenting whirlwind over the last few weeks. Events of racial unjustice have unfolded which, sadly, we have seen before. However, this time there's a difference. White Westerners … [Read more...] about 25+ CULTURALLY DIVERSE STORIES FOR CHILDREN
THE LONELY PARENT: COMBATING ISOLATION
Eleven weeks into lockdown (or is it eleven months? Hard to tell) it is no surprise that I'm writing now about isolation as a parent. I guess we've all experienced this, in our own ways, during lockdown season. We may have felt isolated from our friends and families, from our church and small … [Read more...] about THE LONELY PARENT: COMBATING ISOLATION
25 FAMILY GAMES (THAT EVEN GROWN-UPS WILL ENJOY)
My family loves a good game - which is just as well, really, as our entertainment options are fairly limited right now! It's a hobby my husband and I enjoy (many a date night is spent playing a game!), so I guess it's been natural to pass this down to our kids. We've been playing board games and … [Read more...] about 25 FAMILY GAMES (THAT EVEN GROWN-UPS WILL ENJOY)
YOUR TODDLER IS GOING TO GET THROUGH THIS JUST FINE. AND SO ARE YOU.
You're probably reading this in a snatched moment of peace, perhaps during naptime, after bedtime, or even on the loo - the only place you can ever get a few seconds to yourself these days. I'm going to hazard a guess that you're also feeling guilty right now, knowing that there's something more … [Read more...] about YOUR TODDLER IS GOING TO GET THROUGH THIS JUST FINE. AND SO ARE YOU.