Today Date Triggered Content

Expecting a baby this autumn? Here are twenty names that give a little nod to the season: 

1. Amber – Meaning fossilised tree resin. The perfect name to describe the changing colours of the season and the glow of a fire on cosy nights.  

We are now enjoying the last few weeks of the sun’s warm rays. You may have noticed the sun is sinking lower in the sky and the nights are drawing in. This is a wonderful time of year because nature is flourishing as it prepares for the winter months. The sun is still producing some heat, and while it does it could be worthwhile taking advantage of it. 

When the sun shines 

On a sunny day, if you have the time, go outside with your family, or even on your own.  

By Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl (Author), Sandra van Doorn (Illustrator) 

What a beautiful story this is. Siba and Saba are Ugandan sisters who are continually misplacing their belongings. They dream of the things they've lost every night as they fall asleep until one day, their dreams present them with something they haven’t seen before. The story captures the philosophy that it is important to look ahead in life and not always dwell on the past. 

The text is fun, with alliterative writing and several sentences that are almost tongue-twisters. An abundance of interesting vocabulary makes this book unique and provides the reader with lots to think about. The beautiful pictures, which are actually extremely intelligent and very amusing, flawlessly support the engaging words of the story. I would strongly advise you to spend some time looking at the illustrations; they will surprise you and keep you entertained. 

What you need: 

• 500g mixed, seasonal vegetables 
• 1 tin mixed beans 
• 210g plain flour 
• 120g butter 
• 60g cheese (grated) 
• 1 tbsp porridge oats 
• 1 clove garlic 
• 400ml vegetable stock 
• Pepper to season 

When we look at many food products, they often display best-before dates and use-by dates. With many supermarkets making the move to get rid of best-before and use-by dates, we look at what these mean and whether they really matter. 

“Are they good?” “When did they sleep through?” “We got 12 hours’ last night!” So much of the way people talk about sleep is unrealistic.

Is it time for something new? Your child might not find it easy to follow the rules of some games, but you can make this easier by making your own version of old favourites with some family rules. Take inspiration from The Hundred and make up new games to play together this summer.

A TikTok trend is reminding parents to think about who’s behind the camera in your photos and videos. When your child looks back in the future, will they see all the people that are important in their lives – or is it always the same person who remembers to take the photo? 

If you or your child are ready for a break from songs and ‘I spy’, here are some simple ideas of toys you can make or buy to help pass the time on your journey.

Did you catch Alistair’s Instagram live with Molly Potter? They chatted about Molly’s children’s books, and discussed talking openly with children about emotions and tricky situations. We’ve taken look at some of Molly’s books, read on to find out more, and scroll down for the link if you missed the live.