It’s the Summer Hols – SO…….. How much screen time is OK for your kids?

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 […]

Sue Atkins ‘Parental Wellbeing & Mental Health’ Webinar

  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 […]

What’s wrong with Granny? Talking to your children about Dementia

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 […]

Is it OK to choose your kid’s friends?

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 […]

If you really loved me I wouldn’t have to ask !

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 […]

Why it’s not OK to call me ‘love.’ How do we raise daughters that don’t accept that?

    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 Siblings of Very Sick Children.

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 […]

How to Give Your Child the Gift of Self Esteem

  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. […]

Are childhood sweethearts a thing of the past?

Life long teenage sweethearts are an endangered species according to findings which turns the spotlight on the differences between the generations apparently. “Childhood Sweetheart”  conjures up something magical doesn’t it as if the relationship is defying the usual scientific laws? Think Jamie and Jools Oliver, Wayne and Colleen Rooney, Jessica Ennis and Andy Hill (long-term […]

Tips for Teaching Your Baby To Comfort Themselves So They Fall Asleep.

            The Importance of Teaching Your Baby To Self-Soothe. Can you imagine how you’d feel if your little one year old baby fell asleep quickly and easily on their own? Then imagine your baby, despite waking up in the middle of the night, turned over and didn’t bother you. Instead, […]

Coping With Bereavement With Children.

            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 […]