Teenage birthday under lock down!

So this week my daughter finally turns into a teenager.    I have been describing her as a teenager for the past 6 months, much to her disgust, but by the end of the week it will actually be true.    I will be a mother of two teenage children.    I hadn’t really thought …

Stuff to do and time to do it…so why aren’t I?

So how many of you are getting to do fun activities with your children?    Projects? Games? Large puzzles? Baking?   I have a whole list of things I would like to do, but strangely haven’t found time.   I am working a little, creating activity packs for my minded children. I am also helping …

Finding our new ‘normal’

So today has been the first day that felt ‘normal’. I am hoping this is us finding our stride. I know we will still have wobbly moments and days where the world seems to conspire against us, but today I felt hopeful that we could actually enjoy this time. My kids didn’t need reminding of …

Easter holidays under lockdown.

Anyone else out there looking at the upcoming Easter holidays like a rabbit standing in the path of a 14 carriage freight train?   Our original Easter holiday plans included working for four days taking 10 children on fun trips, celebrating my daughter’s birthday at a theme park and a family holiday with my partner …

How do I make the weekends feel different to the weeks whilst in lockdown?

I have to admit this one is bothering me a little. I love a plan. I love a focus. Our normal weekends involve being with my partner and his children, seeing family and friends, days out to interesting places and of course rugby. My son’s rugby matches rule Sundays. So what now? I feel the …

Watching out for those positive moments!

I’m currently sitting in my bedroom listening to my two teenage children laughing downstairs.    Since we have been home they have actually decided to spend time together, just the two of them, on their own! They have planned it in advance, deciding together what they are going to do and when.   This afternoon they …

What is the objective of our current home schooling?

I am seeing lots of different approaches set out by schools covering the educational needs of our children at this time.   My partner’s children’s primary school seems to be setting more and more work that totals greater than 6 hours a day and flashes up red on the system if it isn’t complete.   …

Working from home whilst home schooling? Try having some of these fun, independent 🤞 learning activities to hand.

Need some time to do some work or take a phone call?   Want some time off screens? Try some of these activities. Hopefully most can be done independently once explained...or older siblings could do with younger 👍 Let me know how you get on! Maths   Draw up a table and roll a dice. …

Social Distancing…it IS vital but it isn’t easy. Be kind to yourself and others.

I woke up this morning feeling a little flat.   Last night Boris Johnson announced a partial lock down in England due to the Coronavirus.   I completely agree with this move.   But as much as I agree with the measures set out last night it does make me feel sad.   Feeling sad, …

Fun Learning Activities suitable for Tots to Teens. Games, Games, Games.

Many traditional games can be enjoyed by children of all ages.    Younger children can join older family members to play in teams or rules can be adapted slightly. I spy can be played with colours “I spy something red” and charades can be played around children’s tv themes.    Older children can create family …