Party Pandemonium by Sarah Clark
Children's parties aren't always a great success, despite weeks of planning. It's not at all uncommon for a small child to throw a big wobbly at his own party, having leapt excitedly out of bed at 5am and then overdosed on sugar all day long. I once went to a party where the birthday girl was so overwhelmed by the sight of so many presents ALL FOR HER, that she spent the entire time staring at them and refusing to play, completely oblivious to her poor mother's blushes.
Messing about by the Water! by Katie James
We live in an area surrounded by a large and often under utlised canal network. Canal's are not just a stretches of water which was used to support industry and now only enjoyed by those who like to live and holiday on the water, they are also a fantastic place to explore and enjoy as a family. They offer a gentle stroll or more energetic walk and are a great place to cycle as tow paths are flat. There is plenty of wildlife to look out with more than 60 different species spotted in a recent survey of waterway wildlife, the hedgerows and banks are home to a large variety of wildlife and woodland creatures, and lets not forget the many beautiful canal boats you'll find moored alongside.
Time to be Bored by Nicola Foster
The children's father and I have become increasingly conscious that the children are losing their childhoods to their DS's, Club Penguin and inane American TV. One evening, after a particularly screen based day, we cast our minds back to our childhoods, a time technologically unrecognisable from now - limited television, Pac Man and Etch a Sketch. Fast-forward to 2010 where children are surrounded by multi-channel children's TV, the internet, portable DVD players and games consoles.
A Fresh Start by Nicola Foster
I have never been one for New Year resolutions. I am usually far too overindulged to muster any “get up and go” to revolutionise my life. Instead, my annual epiphany coincides with the beginning of the autumn term in September.
Fire Fiasco by Nicola Foster
When I switched the oven on to self-clean, as the children and I pottered about on the first day of the holidays, I could not have predicted how quickly my day would deteriorate and for once it was in no way the fault of the children. About 40 minutes into the cycle, an unmistakable orange flicker caught my eye in the oven. As I tried not to panic, I recalled the instruction manual mentioning that as the temperature can exceed 1000C, there is a small risk of fire. It should have mentioned that if some fat from one of the best pieces of crackling ever made should fall onto the oven floor, you should clear that away before embarking on a self clean.
Help at the Start by Sarah Clark
When raising small children, we need all the help we can get. Often parents live away from their extended family, or both go out to work, or one parent is coping alone … and we can't always get the help we need. The national Sure Start scheme is led by the government and delivered locally. It was launched 10 years ago, with the aim of improving the lives and prospects of small children.
Bags of Ideas by Alison Stodolnic
Now that Woolworth's has vanished, where can we go for party bag fodder? Instead of being sucked into the nearest supermarket, take this opportunity to think up something new and unusual for your little guests to grab and hold on to as they leave the party.
The Great Escape by Nicola Foster
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder”. That well worn adage could not be more appropriate than when enjoying a few days away from the children. Suddenly they stop being the ratty, bad-mannered, argumentative and noisy offspring I know and love and become calm, delightful, chatty and creative angels with whom you can't wait to be reunited.
Top Tips for Party Sucess!
Some tips to help make you child's birthday party go smoothly and is enjoyed by the children and grown ups.
To School or Not to School by Nicola Foster
As each school term draws to a close, I watch the children get increasingly tired and run down. Invariably when the holidays begin they have high temperatures, infections or a vomiting bug and we remain house bound except for visits to the doctors and chemists.
