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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!

DOES POCKET MONEY ‘SPOIL THE CHILD’ – OR TEACH INDEPENDENCE?

September 22, 2020 6 Comments

Why do kids need pocket money? Should every child be given pocket money? Does pocket money teach independence, or does it ‘spoil the child’? This article sets out some useful guidelines for pocket money, including when pocket money should not be given.

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· Parenting

HOW HISTORICAL FICTION CAN HELP US TEACH OUR CHILDREN ABOUT RACIAL EQUALITY

September 20, 2020 3 Comments

The Tigers in the Tower (Julia Golding, Lion Hudson) is a gripping historical novel suitable for 9+ which raises interesting points about racial equality and justice.

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

Books and resources· Education

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK A SECONDARY SCHOOL?

September 15, 2020 5 Comments

What should I ask on my school open day? What are good questions to ask a high school? If you’re after ideas for looking around secondary schools, how to approach open days and what to ask, here is some guidance.

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?

Education· Family Life· Parenting

20 CARE PACKAGE IDEAS FOR A KID WITH A BROKEN ARM

July 25, 2020 Leave a Comment

What can I buy for a child with a broken arm? Here are 20 ideas to go in your care package or gift basket, all of which make practical and fun gifts for a child or teenager.

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

Family Life· Parenting

HOW DO I STOP FEELING LIKE A BAD MUM?

June 30, 2020 Leave a Comment

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?

Parenting

25+ CULTURALLY DIVERSE STORIES FOR CHILDREN

June 11, 2020 3 Comments

The best books for kids about race that they need on their bookshelves. in classrooms and in libraries. These 25+ suggestions have all been enjoyed by our family, and are guaranteed to raise healthy discussions about cultural diversity.

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

Books and resources· Education· Family Life· Parenting

THE LONELY PARENT: COMBATING ISOLATION

June 9, 2020 1 Comment

Are you a lonely parent? You're not alone - literally. Many of us struggle with social isolation when we become parents. Here are some ways to combat it.

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

Family Life· Parenting

25 FAMILY GAMES (THAT EVEN GROWN-UPS WILL ENJOY)

April 10, 2020 10 Comments

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)

Education· Family Life· Parenting

YOUR TODDLER IS GOING TO GET THROUGH THIS JUST FINE. AND SO ARE YOU.

April 5, 2020 1 Comment

Preschool parents, don't stress about the impact of isolation on your child. You can be everything they need in a parent right now.

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.

Family Life· Parenting

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The Hope-Filled Family - UK Christian parenting and adoption blog by Lucy Rycroft
Should you send your child to a school in special measures? What if the local school is failing? What do you do? Read our story here.
This article explains why adopted children are more susceptible to pre-birth factors which might affect their development, such as domestic violence, drinking alcohol and substance abuse. It counters the argument that just because a child is taken into care at birth they will be 'fine'.
For those days (or weeks, or months, or years) when you feel like you're failing at parenting, here is your hope, your encouragement and some practical ideas.
How to have great family bible time for kids when it’s noisy and chaotic. The best family devotionals often happen in the chaos, and this post tells you why.
Looking round prospective schools with your adopted or fostered child? Here are the questions you need to ask.
The four attachment styles are explained in this clear, no-fuss blog. What they are, how to spot them, and how to parent your child with this knowledge.
How adoption/fostering might affect toddlers' behaviour.
Is church just an extra curricular activity? Is it important for my family to attend church? What happens if we skip church?
Are you a lonely parent? You're not alone - literally. Many of us struggle with social isolation when we become parents. Here are some ways to combat it.
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