Much of our lives is spent in reaction to others and to events around us. The problem is that these reactions might not always be the best course of action, and as a result, they can make our children, ourselves and those around us unhappy, and can make things worse for everyone & often […]
I’m speaking on BBC Radio Kent about the importance of giving your kids chores to do in the house. I believe it makes them feel part of the family team, it teaches them independence and gives them the feeling of competence and capability. If it feels like you are the one bearing the brunt of […]
Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” ~ Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790, Scientist, Publisher and Diplomat Do you feel like you’re always wading knee-deep through your teenager’s piles of discarded clothes, dirty glasses, crisp packets and […]
Stepfamilies have a bad image. Think of Snow White’s jealous stepmother or Cinderella’s ugly sisters or at the other end of the spectrum, picture the unrealistically positive stepfamily, such as the Brady Bunch. But real life is more complicated that either of those stepfamily models and stepchildren have to come to terms with lots of […]
The Stepfamily Cycle I have been working with a lovely family who are finding it hard to adjust to the changes that blending two families together brings. I always remind my clients that bringing together 2 separate families is a process and not an event, and it takes time and flexibility on everyone’s behalf […]
Are you stuck in the spin cycle of life………….. exhausted, wrung out and dizzy? Do you find yourself falling into bed worn out, frustrated and complaining “Where did the time GO?” Then welcome to the Club! You are not alone as I coach lots of Mums and Dads from toddler to teens crying […]
A new piece of research has concluded that ‘Little Girls Start Believing Harmful Gender Stereotypes by Age 6’ Here’s a thought provoking article from Kate Horowitz in ‘Mental Floss’ Psychologists say little girls have about six years before they’re affected by harmful gender stereotypes about their intelligence. The researchers published their findings in […]
Caring for a seriously ill child takes a tremendous toll on the whole family, physically, mentally and emotionally and your healthy children are no exception. They too suffer from lack of your time, and may feel resentful and angry about the time, energy and focus that naturally has to go on to their sick brother […]
The most important gift you can give your child is the gift of self esteem. Self-esteem is how you rate yourself deep down. It is a belief and a confidence in your own ability and value. It’s a gentle knowing that: you like yourself. you think you’re a good human being. you deserve love. […]
I’m delighted to have been invited to write some articles for Dad Info – a wonderful website for Dads and Step Dads. Today here is my article on what the Americans call ‘Blended Families’ but what I like to call ‘Slow Burning Casserole Families’ 🙂 ‘Bringing together two separate families is a process, not an […]
Going back to work after maternity leave is a time of mixed emotions for many mothers – for some it’s a worry, for some, it’s exciting. For some Mums it’s a mixture of both. Among the many worries I get regularly asked is: What if my child doesn’t settle in childcare? What if […]
I’m delighted to be published on Expedia offering my practical advice and tips for travelling with kids, planning city breaks, ditching your guilt around putting them into The Kids Club and giving my advice on how to find kid friendly accommodation. Take a look here
I’ve been invited on to do a phone – in on ITV ‘This Morning’ about travelling on holiday with kids. So here are some of my practical tips to help YOU relax! We were on travelling on holiday to South Africa and the little girl behind me could have dith some of these […]
For many children their first real experience with loss happens when a pet dies. When a well loved pet dies, children need consolation, love, support and affection more than complicated medical explanations. They need to have their feelings understood and validated. Their reactions will depend on their age and […]
Children today are growing up with computers, Gameboys, Play Stations, X-boxes and Wii’s. They are the generation of screenagers. But what does this mean to your child’s development? Well, it means that your child will: be strongly visual and think in pictures be literal as opposed to abstract in their thinking have a shorter […]
