Unusual new age sports for reluctant children to try
Until we moved house when I was 7 when I seemed to have a sports epiphany, sports didn’t really exist in my life. But once we moved I changed from someone who had no idea, to a child who enjoyed…
tweens
Activities for tweens age 9-12
Tweens, those children between 9 and 12 years, are at that awkward inbetween age. Not old enough to be left to their own devices, most aren’t allowed to roam about on their own, so still need to be taken places….
Life skills for children to prepare for adulthood
One of the most important jobs a parent has is to make sure their children are ready and prepared for being let loose on the next phases of their life. We get them through the baby and toddler years, through…
Childrens business ideas and dreams
I love the spark and enthusiasm of children. The ideas they come up with that they believe just can’t fail. I’m not sure that N’s latest ideas are that realistic for a 9 year old and his friend to make…
Why you should teach boys about periods
My OH would shudder and say it’s all about girls. But I think it’s so important that boys are taught about periods before puberty. And that’s before girls puberty, not boys’. There’s less of a stigma talking about them now…
Puberty questions and chats about the birds and the bees
I’ve always wanted to be honest with N, and ready to answer any questions he has. There have been a lot of questions about babies and bodies over the years, and there’s been a lot more recently too. I’m not…
Being proud of children helping out at camping
I would love N to help out more round the house. It doesn’t work for any length of time. I’ve tried rewards, chore lists, asking him, explaining that we all live there and need to muck in. But it doesn’t…
Tween desk ideas and accessories
I can’t say that N has a decorated bedroom. (Or even a tidy one). The OH likes magnolia walls so that’s what there is in the majority of the house. N isn’t worried about having a colourful room, although one…
How to help children cope with a first sleepover with friends
A first sleepover. It’s a big step for children and can be so exciting. But for some, they find it daunting being away from home. Nowadays children seem to stay away from home a lot earlier and more frequently, than…
Talking about weight and skinny kids
It might be different when you have girls, but I’ve never really thought about the way I’ve described N. Or thought about the words I’ve used. If I had a girl I’d always be thinking about phrasing descriptions to avoid…
No to a games console – XBox arguments
I don’t think I’m that strict a mum. I’m certainly less strict than my mum was when we were growing up. There are things that I expect of N like good behaviour when out and about, politeness, and being kind…