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 […]
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? […]
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 […]
I bet you’ve had your child ask you many times to read a book or play a game and I bet you’ve said, “In a minute.” This usually sets you up to forget the request and you may end up not doing what you told your child you would do, which damages your relationship and […]
“IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER” I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the “good” living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted […]
I took my Auntie Betty out on Tuesday as she had a stroke last November and doesn’t go very far these days. We went for a stroll in Dulwich Park and had lunch in the Pavilion Café. It was special. I used to play with my cousins on Sunday afternoons in Dulwich Park with my […]
Sibling rivalry has always had a bad press – think of Cain slaughtering Abel and Joseph being thrown down the well and sold by his brothers because they were jealous of his beautiful multi coloured coat! Sibling rivalry can apply to any child living in the same family, from […]
I’m writing my notes for a Zoom business talk for a global business around “Lunch and Learn” bite sized talks for 45 minutes on a wide range of topics. Parenting is such a vast subject isn’t it, and one of the many topics that I cover is, “GUILT – The “BIG G” and gremlin of […]
I enjoy Saturday morning. Perhaps it’s the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to be up and writing, or maybe it’s the fun of knowing the kids are around all day. Either way, I really enjoy the first few hours of a Saturday morning, especially in the summer when the warmth of the […]
The average toddler hears the word “no” an astonishing 400 times a day, according to experts. You, like me, may, at first, think that this must be an exaggeration but pause to ponder this…when we tell a toddler ‘No’ we usually say,’ No, no, no!’ which is actually three times in three seconds – reinforcing […]
Let a series of happy thoughts run through your mind. They will show on your face. ~ Norman Vincent Peale 1898-1993, Author of The Power of Positive Thinking
“One day at a time – this is enough.” ~ Ida Scott Taylor 1820-1915, Author Click here to buy The Divorce Journal for Kids Navigating through Divorce Positively A bad marriage can make parenting and life in general stressful. The loss of the family structure can be very upsetting and distressing for everyone involved […]
Being a positive parent isn’t any harder than being a negative parent! It just takes a quick shift in your thinking and attitude. Here’s the CRISPS way to becoming a more positive parent. CRISPS Consistency: children thrive with firm, fair, consistent discipline. No empty threats! Rewards: Positive parenting uses rewards to reinforce the behaviours you […]
Putting your children first I’ve been recently working with a couple who are divorcing and we were looking at how to handle the new roles that both these parents now face whilst going through the transition. One area I discussed with them was accepting that their ex has a continued role to play in their […]
Your children need your presence more than your presents. ~Unknown
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.
Download the free scripts and tips here.
