There are many many factors that affect the relationship we have with our children, and over many years. You will know what’s true for you right now. Personally, I have found time (lack of it) and tiredness to be my major factors. When I have not made time for my...

How often do you shout at your child? Does your child ever shout at you? Why does listening matter so much anyway?? Your job as a parent has always been to keep your child safe and to teach them the important things so that they can be independent and make their own...

Do you find that when you collect your child from school they are like a wild animal? Are they rude and loud even when you tell them off? Do you wish they were better behaved at home? When I was a Reception class teacher I used to notice that when my new children...

Time – How much can kids do? This morning I’ve started a Declutter Your Day Facebook Challenge. This morning the focus has been on what we would like a bit of extra time for. I’m very tempted to say, ”To be more productive.” But what does that really mean? I spend a...

As children we all have huge emotions. You see it every day in toddlers, who become so overwhelmed they break down into a tantrum, completely out of control. As they become older different types of emotions start to emerge. As well as joy, happiness, upset and anger...

There’s been some controversy around Red Nose Day and Comic Relief this year which I think is interesting. I heard Richard Curtis speaking about the portrayal of Africa last night and he acknowledged that on the night the images are very much about need. And that’s...

These days children are in a highly competitive environment from the minute they start school – and that’s about to get worse! The Education Department may argue it’s the best way for teachers to assess where each child is and what each child needs but have you ever...

I heard an interesting comment on the radio this morning. The discussion was regarding children missing school and whether they necessarily miss anything important. The caller made the point that if we have the belief that real learning happens in school it follows...

Scope has designed a lovely set of activity cards for families that you can share with your children. You can subscribe monthly and receive 7 activity cards. I'm really happy to say that I'll be supporting Scope by subscribing to this scheme and using the activities...

Have I told you about tomato plants? Well here goes.... When you have a tomato plant you want it to grow and produce yummy tomatoes. So you put it in nutritious soil, you water it, you feed it, you protect it from frost and pests, you give it sunshine and warmth....