Christmas, although a time of great joy and celebration, can also be the most stressful of times for even the best of parents, with the family home chaotic and often besieged by visitors. Throw into the mix over excited children who have weeks to sit around at home and the situation can quickly spiral out […]
I am very proud to be one of the Ambassadors for Home Start because it is a remarkable charity and last night I had the privilege of being invited to attend the Home-Start Charity Carol Service in St. Bride’s Church in Fleet Street – the most delightful place of worship. It has recently been refurbished and […]
“Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth.” ~ American Academy of Paediatrics It’s coming up to Christmas and you’re probably wondering what toys to buy for your kids. I think it’s helpful to remember that more play leads to more learning and that […]
It can be really stressful facing your first Christmas alone. Perhaps, you are finding that you have had 20 years of family Christmases with tinsel and turkey, kids unwrapping their pressies in pyjamas with the Carols singing out on the stereo, the log fire blazing and a full house brimming with family. Then it all […]
I think Christmas shopping and shopping generally with toddlers, is given a bad press! With a little bit of planning and some common sense there are many practical ways to take the stress, frustration and tension out of buying your father- in – law his annual socks and festive tie! Remember that small children […]
e-readers are hugely popular with parents – but research shows kids prefer printed books, magazines and comics. So is it worth buying them a book? Check out these wonderful books in The Sue Atkins Book Club
I was really delighted to see my tips appear on Cheryl Pasquier’s Mad House Family Review site this weekend. “A friend of mine is having trouble sorting out the arrangements over Christmas Dinner with her ex. I thought that maybe I should encourage her to refocus her priorities, by reminding her of something important. […]
I found an interesting article on Health Central about Teenagers finding the change in routine very stressful around the Christmas holiday time. Here are some tips to help you get through the holiday period when you have a teenager with ADHD: Plan out their holiday homework. Once your child reaches secondary school, teachers often assign […]
This year I’ve made a lovely new friend in Georgina Durrant ( listen to our fabulous interview on my parenting podcast )who writes a wonderful blog for parents of children with Special Needs called The SEN Resources Blog It’s BURSTING with advice, learning activities and recommended toys, books and resources for children with SEN. Do head over […]
Here are some ideas and strategies to help navigate co-parenting during the holiday season: 1. Create a Clear Plan Early Discuss in Advance: Collaboratively plan how Christmas and surrounding holidays will be shared to avoid last-minute conflicts. Alternate Holidays: Consider alternating Christmas Day each year or splitting the holiday break. Share the Day: If […]
I was sitting in Costa Coffee the other day in Bluewater and I heard a group of women moaning about how stressful Christmas is with all the present buying, food shopping, wrapping and writing all the Christmas cards. And it got me pondering …… Why do some women take the role of martyr in their lives? […]
My lovely Mum got cross many years ago with my young kids as they unwrapped ANOTHER lovely present without making a fuss of gratitude, as they had become blasé about all the gifts they had been blessed to receive. Yet it seems we are still keen to give in and indulge our children’s wants – the Toy […]
Dear Sue I separated from my partner at the beginning of this year. We were together for 10 years and have two children aged 8 and 6. My real problem is the fact that my partner and I were originally family friends and our families are really close. We normally get together over Christmas […]
So it’s coming to that time of the year when the kids start being marketed to by the media. Are your children pester ninjas? Do you feel under pressure to fulfill your child’s Christmas list? Well a survey today by the charity Mothers’ Union has called for an end to “pester power.” Some 84 per […]
Christmas is a catalyst. I often find that I get many clients coming to see me after Christmas about how to separate after spending more time together at Christmas. Christmas acts as a catalyst for change and the New Year offers a new beginning for many. My article Handling Divorce Positively taken from my “Raising […]
A Practical Guide
A calm, practical starter guide from Sue Atkins to help you handle smartphones, social media, gaming, sleep and online pressure — without rows or panic.
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