As my kids were going off to bed recently, I found myself speaking plainly to them: "I'm sorry for being grumpy today. I was really grumpy. But you were also really annoying." Find me a parent whose own kids don't irritate the hell out of them on a fairly regular basis, and I'll give them … [Read more...] about TALKING TO KIDS WITH WORDS OF GRACE
Parenting
Parenting is such a challenging role! And there are so many people telling us how we should do it.
I am not one of those people. But I hope that by sharing my own - often highly flawed - experiences, I can offer reassurance and empathy to others going through similar challenges.
5 FUN CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Ever feel stuck for ideas on how to make cleaning fun? Whether you have one child or eight, whether you work in the home or out, whether you home educate or send your kids to school, I can pretty much guarantee one thing. Your home is harder to keep tidy now than it was pre-kids. (The Ministry … [Read more...] about 5 FUN CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
HOW TO SURVIVE SUMMER AS A PARENT (WITHOUT KILLING YOUR KIDS!)
At this point of term, I start to both look forward to and dread the summer holidays - in equal measure. I'm really looking forward to the more relaxed pace, no school runs, no frenzied uniform-washing, no scrabbling around for 50p because there's a Bun Sale (I mean, who actually uses cash … [Read more...] about HOW TO SURVIVE SUMMER AS A PARENT (WITHOUT KILLING YOUR KIDS!)
FANTASTIC PEOPLE WHO DARED TO FAIL – REVIEW
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
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
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