July 19th – Why It’s Important To Not Fixate On A Date

Britain’s ‘freedom day’ will come on July 19, says the government but like anything important, like going through a divorce, bereavement or a redundancy – it’s usually a process not an event. When we experience change, we move from what we’ve known and done to a period of transition as we adapt & begin to […]
Great Children’s Books On Manners To Help You Get ‘Talking & Teaching!’

I came upon a selection of books that ‘Talk and Teach’ and start great conversations from author Maria Dismondy. around manners. Here are ten of her favourite books on manners to explore – to help grown-ups have great conversations with little people! Martha Doesn’t Say Sorry By Samantha Berger There are many things that Martha […]
20 Moving Father’s Day Poems to Honour Your Relationship With Your Dad
This Father’s Day, pay tribute to your Dad (or Grandpa, or any father figure) with a poem that says just how you feel. But if you’re not a poet, fear not! Here’s a lovely collection of Father’s Day poems and quotes to inspire that perfect greeting card or social media tribute, whether you want your message […]
Online Children’s Book Festival – June 26th and 27th 2021 and YOU’RE INVITED!

Little did I know when I started #TheSueAtkinsBookClub to help parents in a pandemic that it would blossom & bloom into such a vibrant enthusiastic, creative & collaborative group of authors We now have our FREE online Book Festival with Independent Thinking Worldwide https://www.independentthinking.co.uk/itl-online/childrens-book-festival/ and YOU ARE INVITED ! This wonderful event is bursting […]
What If There’s Absolutely Nothing Wrong With Your Toddler Throwing A Tantrum?

Toddlers are brilliant. Aren’t they? They live in the present moment. But, perhaps they’re also the most misunderstood humans on the planet. Perhaps as parents, we have forgotten what it’s like to be a toddler. To be small and dependent. To be constantly learning. To feel only one strong emotion at a time, yet not […]
How Can I Keep My Children Safe Using Social Media?
I’m being interviewed for The Daily Mail podcast today about how to help your teenagers manage social media, specifically in the light of the permanence of what they post and the impact this might have on their futures. There has been a great deal of debate around the Ollie Robinson posts on Twitter 8 […]
Children’s Books About Dads to Celebrate Dads All Year Round!

When it’s Father’s Day I always miss my wonderful Dad as he was just such a wonderful person, charismatic, kind, thoughtful, funny and great, great fun. From my Dad I learnt my values, my confidence, my tenacity. From my Dad I learnt compassion, finding the balance in everything from studying, working, to playing and having […]
It’s World Environment Day – here are some great books on nature, the environment & climate change.

Today is #WorldEnvironmentDay – the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness & action to protect our environment. ? For books for young readers on nature, the environment & climate change, to check out from Children’s Books Ireland Going Green reading list: #EveryChildAReader
READ WITH PRIDE

June is GLBT Book Month This LGBTQ+ lineup proves love is always stronger than hate. Some titles are familiar favourites, others are new releases, and a few more are soon-to-be released. The first calendar shows middle grades chapter books, and the second calendar displays some picture book titles. The picture book calendar is one […]
On the Anniversary of George Floyd’s Murder: Talking to Kids About Racism, Early and Often Is Important.

On the 25th May it will be one year since George Floyd was killed while in police custody, prompting a global outpouring of grief and outrage and forcing millions of people around the world to confront, address & think about unconscious bias & racist attitudes and behaviour. It’s important that we as parents examine our […]
How Do I Talk To My Teen About Sexual Orientation?

Part of being a teen is figuring out who you are — including your sexual orientation and gender identity. No matter what your teen’s identity, they’re likely to have many questions as they explore who they are and it’s a good idea to get clear yourself as a parent about sexual orientation and gender identity […]
Make it Count: A Guide for Parents and Carers on Children’s Mental Health

A rather grim & growing report from Sky News has suggested that COVID-19 has created a crisis for ‘years to come’ – as lockdowns have put children under ‘unprecedented’ levels of distress Sky News is given unique access to a child and adolescent mental health trust to see first hand the crises children are facing. […]
8 Must-Have Toys and Activities for Increasing Your Infant’s Developmental Skills
Here’s a great list of appropriate activities that will help to increase your little infant’s developmental skills around all the major skills from motor, social, emotional and language skills as recommended by Kevin Zoromski from Michigan State University. ‘Whenever you are looking for comfort objects and toys for infants, focus on items that enhance […]
Why saying ‘Sorry’ doesn’t always teach your children anything

“Sorry seems to be the hardest word,” sang Elton John & it is only 5 small little letters that can have a BIG impact from Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey to politicians the world over but why is a genuine apology important and how do we go deeper and teach […]
Awesome Girls: 30 Resources to Teach Kids Financial Literacy

While it’s an essential life skill, a study by the Girl Scouts found that only 12% of tween and teen girls feel very confident in making financial decisions. Financial literacy is an essential skill for every child to learn! Money is an integral part of modern life, and whether your child is a preschooler […]