toddlers

Why I am not buying my kids ANY toys next Christmas

sleep is for the weak 18 Comments

chirstmasSo this Christmas I have built magnificent castles out of Duplo, coloured in the entire cast of Frozen, pushed baby dolls around the house in their new pram, shouted “you have to press the button to talk” into Spongebob Walkie Talkies sixteen times, spoken to a horse and Grandad on a toy phone, played the drums and completed three jigsaws…

All by myself.

Not because I enjoy playing with toddler toys on my own, (ok, maybe a bit) but in an attempt to get my young daughters to show an interest in something other than chocolate.

Continue reading →

Five Things That Will NOT Help Your Child Do Well At School

sleep is for the weak 18 Comments

SCHHOLIt’s fast-approaching that time of year when many parents will be preparing to send their little ones off to school or pre-school for the very first time…

When I say preparing, I mean, lying awake at night worrying about the best way to get your child ready for this important milestone.

How can I help my child do well at school? What if she hates it? What if she cries at the school gates? What if I cry at the school gates? How can I make sure she eats her lunch? Will Best of Both bread be frowned upon? Continue reading →