In today’s digital age, smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. While they offer numerous benefits to us as adults, giving toddlers and babies smartphones during meals can pose several risks and set up really bad habits around food, social interaction and phone addiction in the critically important early years! Here’s why […]
I was on BBC Radio Newcastle discussing children who have imaginary friends as Heathrow is set to become first ‘imaginary friend friendly’ airport – Imaginary friends are a natural part of healthy child development. Children use their fantasy friends to practice verbal skills, boost their confidence and for role play. Kids with imaginary friends […]
Keeping the Glow with your Partner. Do you want more attention, more respect, more help with the kids, more hugs, more romance, more surprises, more time together, more intimacy, and more fun? Someone to babysit, iron the shirts, help make the dinner sometimes or hang up the towels in the bathroom? Then ask. “But I […]
I’ve just been interviewed on BBC Woman’s Hour with Anita Rani about chores, pocket money and teaching kids about working & earning. If it feels like you are the one bearing the brunt of domestic chores in your home it may be time to share the load – with your children. Giving kids […]
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 […]
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
When does screentime become unhealthy – what are the guidelines and how can you ‘Talk & Teach’ your kids to find that balance between enjoying their iPad and playing outside? Many parents believe that technology and gadgets are essential for their child’s development, but it can quickly and easily get out of hand can’t it? How do […]
Children’s wellbeing is closely bound to their parents’ wellbeing & that really important person is YOU. As parents whether you are a single parent, a mum, dad or carer we all want to do what’s best to keep our children safe, fit and well. However, it can be easy to forget about our own […]
This is a tough subject that many parents are shying away from, and it’s not about the birds and the bees! A new study by the researchers at Sesame Street indicates a majority of parents may not be having a conversation about race, class, or ethnicity with their kids, the factors that make up […]
Raising a healthy eater is a full-time job isn’t it? If you’re a parent, you are well aware of juggling your family’s activities from football to Rainbows, finding time for homework, doctor’s appointments, play dates, sleep overs and much more. But an important part of your parenting job description – is being the gatekeeper of […]
My husband is in Ireland visiting his Mum’s grave with his 94 year old Dad. Judy died during the pandemic , not due to Covid but due to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. My father in law Arthur looked after her at home for 10 years and after her funeral we all went to Ireland to […]
I read with horror Katie Hopkins from ( The Apprentice) admission that she won’t let her children play with friends that she deems beneath them… & I quote ‘that’s what caring mothers do’ As The Apprentice star admits she targets playmates who are a good influence. Well – good luck with that overly controlling strategy […]
I’ve been sent this question to my Sue Atkins Parenting Show podcast – where we all discuss every possible aspect of parenting, giving you advice and support on topics which affect your daily life. It’s bursting with practical tips, techniques and ideas. Come and join us and listen wherever to listen to your favourite podcasts. […]
Brushing their teeth may not be every little one’s favourite thing to do. So how do you get them into the habit of doing it regularly? Is it better to make it into a game, or just get them into a headlock? ? How do you encourage your little ones to brush their teeth? […]
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 […]
