Ever struggled with not liking your child’s friend? Join me on BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour to find out how to handle it!

Ever struggled with not liking your child’s friend? I’m thrilled to be on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour today at 10 AM talking about exactly that—how parents can navigate tricky friendships without damaging trust or independence. Tune in for practical tips, real-life stories, and gentle guidance for helping your child choose friends wisely. 📻 Woman’s […]
‘I was smacked as a child and it didn’t do me any harm’ – is a MYTH. Read WHY!

There is a “definitive link” between smacking children and behavioural difficulties, a new study has found. Researchers at University College London, who reviewed 20 years of research on the topic, found that physical punishment is not effective in improving children’s behaviour, and instead makes it worse. I have been on Channel 5 News, BBC Radio, LBC and interviewed a great deal this week as a new […]
How Failing Forward Will Make You A Great Parent

One of my favourite parenting stories is about a famous research scientist who made several important medical breakthroughs. He was asked by a journalist why he was so successful and he told the story of a very early lesson he learnt from his Mum when he dropped a carton of milk in the kitchen. Instead […]
Navigating Tech with Grandparents

Grandparents are wonderful aren’t they? But what do you do when they over indulge your kids with technology & allow them to spend too long on their devices? Here’s a few ideas to help. When approaching the issue of excessive screen time with grandparents, it’s essential to foster open communication in a non-confrontational manner. […]
Why shaming your child on Social Media is NOT a good idea.
Shame on You! I’ve just spent the morning filming a video for The Sun newspaper around their new campaign around shaming and blaming and humiliating children on social media. What is shaming & what it does to children. Shame is defined as ‘a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by wrong or foolish […]
HELP – It’s the Horrible Homework Hour. Tips to Stop Homework Battles.

They’re home, they’re fed, the telly’s off and now it’s the Homework Horror Hour! A recent survey carried out by the Government’s “Get On” Campaign reveals that 7 in 10 parents are wary of helping their children with their homework and are finding it increasingly difficult to understand and lend a hand in their children’s […]
Talking to Children of Different Ages About the Bombings in Iran: A Compassionate Parenting Guide

Talking to Children of Different Ages About the Bombings in Iran: A Compassionate Parenting Guide When tragic events like the recent bombings in Iran dominate the news, it’s natural for children to feel confused, anxious, or even frightened. Whether they overhear adults talking, catch glimpses on social media, or hear classmates discussing it at school, […]
Children Need Play Not Pressure.
Between schoolwork, homework, data driven school learning, standardised tests, exam anxiety, after-school activities and bullying, kids are super stressed out. The foundations & most important and valuable learning happens in the early years of our children’s lives. The experiences that they have then shape their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and how they think about […]
Growing Grit: 10 Ways to Raise Resilient Kids

Here are practical tips for parents to help nurture grit (perseverance and passion for long-term goals) in their children—without pushing them too hard or making it feel like pressure: 💬 1. Model Grit Yourself Kids absorb what they see. Talk openly about your own challenges and how you’re working through them. Phrases like: “This is […]
Talking vs. Tapping: Can Screen Time Help or Harm Your Child’s Language Skills Before Starting School?

Children learn to speak by hearing speech — not swiping. But the right tech, used wisely, can support language, not silence it. A child’s brain is wired for words. From birth, they’re tuning into the rhythm, tone and melody of language. And by the time they reach Reception, their vocabulary size is one of the […]
Regulating Emotions, Not Just iPads – Building Resilience Before Reception

Emotional literacy is a bigger predictor of school success than knowing letters or numbers – and it starts long before the classroom. When we talk about school readiness, we often focus on academic basics – counting to 10, recognising letters, writing their name. But the quiet superpower that often gets overlooked? Emotional regulation. A child’s […]
Before children are ready for school, they need time to splash, squish, dig, dance, jiggle and imagine. Not swipe.

Building Brains Through Play – Why Messy, Hands-On Learning Beats Apps In a world filled with educational apps and digital flashcards, it’s easy to believe that technology holds the key to early learning. But research — and centuries of childhood wisdom — tell a different story: Before children are ready for school, they must first […]
Growing Up Unplugged: The Game-Changing Power of a Digital Detox in the Early Years

Unplug to Thrive – The Vital Role of Digital Downtime in Early ChildhoodNurturing imagination, growth, and connection in a tech-heavy world. We live in a world of constant pings, swipes, and streams. For grown-ups, this relentless connectivity can feel draining. For young children, it’s more than draining — it can disrupt vital stages of development. […]
Tips for Handling Moody Teenagers!

Following up from my live phone in on BBC WM! 📻about moody teenagers! Every month join me for our regular monthly phone-in, where I’ll be offering practical parenting advice and support—this time we’re talking about navigating your child’s first heartbreak and moody teens! Tune in and call in—let’s talk parenting! Tuesdays from 12 noon Handling […]
School Readiness: Smart Screens – How to Use Technology to Support, Not Replace, Early Learning!

When used wisely, tech can open doors — but real-world experiences must always come first. In today’s world, screens are part of everyday life. Even the youngest children see adults with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and TVs — it’s the digital air they breathe. The question is no longer whether children should have access to technology, […]