Permission to ask for the Mother’s Day you want
Is it ok to say that for Mother’s Day all I want is a full day off from parenting? Or to spend two hours in a hot bath in complete silence while I read a book? Or to eat a family-sized Dairy Milk on the sofa while we all watch back-to-back films?
We say yes, yes and yes.
Montessori, Forest School, home education... and the list goes on!
As you emerged from your newborn bubble, you probably found yourself thinking more about your baby’s play. What should you be doing to keep them entertained and support their development? We’ve got that covered on your activities page, full of play ideas linked to the skills your child is learning now. Over time, especially if you’re looking for childcare or even thinking about school, you can find yourself wondering if you should be following a particular approach to learning such as Montessori, Forest Schools or something else.
There is lots to think about when it comes to child development and ways of learning. Social media and the ability to see what other families are doing can add to the pressure parents feel to pick one way, and follow it closely. We know this isn't something that works for everyone - and we know the reality is that most of us end up taking aspects of lots of different approaches and weaving them into our day in a way which works for us.
Explaining the importance of early childhood – how can research help us?
Have you ever had a comment along the lines of, “They’re only little, they can start learning when they get to school.” We know how important early childhood is for your child’s future learning, wellbeing, and health, and you’ve probably chosen the app because you know too! But not everyone realises just how important these early years are, and that can lead to some interesting conversations.
We thought we’d look at what the Royal Foundation for Early Childhood found about public attitudes in the United Kingdom this year. The brilliant news is that more people than last year recognise how important early childhood is, but there is still a way to go!
It’s loneliness awareness week – we can help you connect with other parents
Becoming a parent can involve big changes in your life. If you’re on parental leave you might find you don’t speak to as many people during the day as when you’re at work, or if your friends don’t have children it might seem more difficult to join in with some of the things they do, which means some of your friendships might change.[1]
If you feel lonely, you’re not alone
Resolve to ditch New Year’s resolutions
You’ve barely succumbed to the final, unloved Quality Street that no one else wanted when you’re suddenly thrust headlong into New Year’s resolutions, thinking about ways to be more of this or better at that.
Sometimes we all feel the pull of a fresh start, particularly after days inside eating leftover roast potatoes.
Don’t forget your parenting best bits!
Before moving on to thinking about 2023, how about stopping for a moment to recognise some of your wins as a parent from the last twelve months? Your parenting best bits, if you will.
Parenting is the hardest job in the world, so there will undoubtedly have been some challenges and steep learning curves. This is true whether you are pregnant, a first-time parent or have a larger family. But even the long nights can become wins if seen in a new light – by reflecting on what you have learnt or even just acknowledging that you survived some tough experiences.
