The best of 2018 blog posts
To one of my favourite posts of the year, a chance to reread old posts, reminisce and enjoy reminding myself of everything we’ve done over 2018. In blog format. January The start of the year meant N turned 7, and…
Family life
10 tips to improve music education for children
Music has always been a big part of my life. As a child I learnt three musical instruments played in orchestras and music school from the age of 9 and took part in area orchestras and post university, a swing…
Things your mother taught you
Mums are so important in a child’s life. Most have their mum as their heroine at some point in their life, but it’s often not until we’re adults that we realise how great our mothers are. And even more so,…
What we’re enjoying about life at the moment
Life always whizzes by so quickly when you’re an adult. And it seems to go even faster when you’ve got children. But I think we can also savour life with our children. N’s certainly at a great age, and for…
Exploring the bond with dads for Father’s day
I’ve never written about Father’s Day before. Well, maybe just a fleeting mention. Usually Father’s Day passes us by. Maybe N gives his dad a card he’s made, but the OH and his family aren’t really big on Father’s Day…
Staying in vs going out on the farm
Children certainly keep you on your toes. I should have expected that really. All of last year I moaned that I never saw N at weekends. That he always wanted to be out on the farm. And often we’d have…
From fighting to friendship – sibling relationship change
A siblings relationship isn’t always perfect. Brothers and sisters fight, the competitive spirit comes out and often parents despair. And there doesn’t seem to be much written about the sibling relationship. If you ask around friends there’s not always a pattern…
Negotiating with kids – for sheep
Parenting advice seems to say to avoid negotiating with kids. I’m not sure I agree. We have a lot of negotiations in our house. Ever since N has grasped the fact that he might be able to get something following…
Making friends and growing up with puppies
Being on a farm means there’s lots of animals around. N is certainly learning how to care for them, everything about them, and an appreciation of them. But most of the animals are livestock rather than pets. Even the dogs…
Summer fun bucket list for kids and families
Summer holidays are a bit of a mish mash for us, what with work and harvest. The OH never informs me in advance of his plans so knowing when he can have N with him at work and when I…
Child development leaps and bounds
When you have a baby or toddler, the development leaps and the amount they learn is huge each month. Then once they’re older, at school, those milestones slow down. Or rather, they don’t slow down, but they’re more gradual, and…