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07 August 2025

Supporting Children Through Family Transitions: Practical Guidance for Parents

Family separation or divorce is rarely easy, especially when children are involved. Parents often worry about how to approach the topic in a way that keeps children informed without overwhelming them. Although emotions can run high, how these changes are communicated makes a lasting difference. Children are perceptive and often notice subtle shifts in their family dynamic. While the situation may be complex, offering them reassurance and structure through clear communication helps them feel secure and supported.





The Importance of Clear Communication in Changing Times

When families go through transitions like divorce or separation, honest and timely conversations help reduce a child's sense of fear or confusion. Children may not always voice their concerns, but they often pick up on tension or changes in routine. Without age-appropriate information, they may fill in the gaps with their own assumptions, which can lead to anxiety or misplaced guilt.

It’s common for parents to worry about sharing too much too soon, but withholding information often backfires. With some preparation, parents can deliver key messages in a calm and supportive way. Planning what to say, using language suited to the child's age, and providing space for questions creates an environment where children feel included and safe.

Parents who are unsure how to approach these conversations may find reassurance and advice from family law experts in Slough, who offer guidance that considers legal realities and emotional wellbeing.
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20 April 2015

Him and Her in April

April has been quite a mixed month for us so far. We had the excitement of birthdays with Jamster turning 9 then Minxy turning 11 and we had a lovely relaxing holiday away in Wales over Easter. From there things seemed to go downhill quite quickly however and we had a full week of illness where we were all struck with the nasty Norovirus one after the other. It completely ruined the break from school and all of our remaining plans.

I'm not great at dealing with sickness as it is but when poorly myself and handling unwell children it certainly is a struggle. It's absolutely exhausting and I was praying for it to come to an end for everyone. Sorting sick is just another part of parenthood that we just have to crack on with though, however horrible, although you never get used to seeing your little ones suffer and I hate the feeling of helplessness. I wish I could take the pain away for them.

In some ways, trying to think positively, I was lucky that it was one child followed by the next rather than them both being ill together. Minxy was able to fetch flannels, tissues and toast when required to help her brother and Jamster plumped pillows and made drinks when it was his sisters turn to be down. At the time we all just did what needed to be done, no questions asked, but looking back now after we have all recovered it's quite lovely to think about how they were both so kind and caring for their sibling. Neither grimaced at the sight of the other (or how untidy our home was from a lack of housework!). Neither complained of boredom and not being able to go out. They didn't moan about helping when needed and in fact they even offered to at times or did so without me mentioning. Both were concerned for the other and it was really quite sweet.




They are back to their normal bickering now so they must be on the mend!
Here's hoping that May is better, although it is already set to be.


You can follow me here:

dear beautiful
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17 April 2015

Girls Summer Fashion from Melijoe

Although I'm a little disappointed the Easter holiday has now come to an end and the Mini Mes have returned to school, I'm still feeling rather content due to the endless sunshine that we seem to be having at the moment - I love it! It really reminds me of summers gone by which always bring thoughts of BBQs, afternoons in the garden and of course lazy days spent on the beach. The pace of living seems to slow down between July and September and everyone just seems so much happier, don't they.

With this in mind I started to think about how unprepared I actually am for the warmer weather, and our holidays abroad, as our wardrobes are some what lacking in suitable summer fashion! Minxy in particular has had a bit of a growth spurt recently so I soon found myself browsing Melijoe for some key designer pieces. 

I put together these three lovely outfits...


Summer Fashion from Melijoe



I selected the Rykiel Enfant Flared printed cotton poplin skirt as it is a piece that Minxy could wear all year round. It goes perfectly with the pretty Pom d'Api sandals but at the same time she could team this with some tights and boots when Autumn arrives. Being black and white it would go well with a lot of her existing clothing and the Liu Jo top I've teamed it with is such a lovely deep shade of fuschia and a style that can be both dressed up or down for any occasion making it very versatile.
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28 March 2015

Cooking With Kids #SatCap

Today Jamster turns 9 - Happy birthday dude! I've been cooking a big cake to celebrate but usually the weekends involve lots of baking and my little production line is very handy to have at home...





.... even if they are a bit crazy and cheeky at times!
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17 March 2015

The Funny Things Kids Say and Do - The Mother's Day Edition

A few days before Mother's Day each year, the Mr will ask the Mini Mes what gift ideas they have in mind for me. Jamster often opts for some cute beauty essentials which are ALWAYS bright pink (he knows me well) whereas Minxy, with more expensive taste (just like me), usually selects jewellery.

This year however the Mr hadn't asked the children and instead he picked up a few items, while shopping himself for convenience, which were stored ever so secretly above the fridge in a transparent bag and in a drawer I often use!




Mother's Day weekend came around quickly and the Mini Mes went off to their dad's house as scheduled. I hadn't expected to see them again until the evening of Mothering Sunday but then I received a text from Minxy...

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16 March 2015

Ladybird Egg Box Bugs

With Spring upon us, I've been thinking about clearing out some of the clutter and it has enabled us to be quite creative in the process. All of the packing from various things can easily be transformed into something fun for the Mini Mes and these Ladybirds are an example of that!

They are rather cute and so simple to make all while using up old egg boxes from the recycling tubs. Your little ones could make an entire family too just like we did.





You will need
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03 February 2015

5 Fun Apps The Mini Mes Love

Although time on the tablets is limited, the Mini Mes certainly have their favourite games to play. I must admit there are quite a few that are probably more suited to children that I really enjoy too! 
Here are some of our their most loved apps.




If you were a fan of Flappy Bird this is likely to prove popular in your home. With cars coming across the roads to avoid, trains on tracks to dodge and logs on rivers to cross you need to react quickly and move fast. You can take your pick from a variety of characters to be and by tapping the screen you can travel in different directions. It's great for developing hand eye coordination and it should get the kids to be more aware of traffic in the real world too.
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10 December 2014

The Flu Vaccine - Protecting Your Children This Winter




The bugs are back in town. That's right; it's that time of year again when the tissues come out and the coughs creep back in. Flu can develop quickly and leave us feeling quite unwell indeed. With many of us not wanting to miss work or school and definitely not wanting to be poorly over the magical festive period in particular, it might be worth booking your family in for a flu vaccine today. 


Facts about flu

  • In an average flu season in England, flu affects up to 10% of children aged 0 – 14 years
  • Children are the main transmitters of flu and pass the virus on for longer than adults. For every 10 children who missed school because of flu-associated illness, eight household members subsequently became ill
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08 December 2014

Christmas Gift Guide - The Children's Edition

With the Christmas countdown truly underway, it's time to pick up and purchase all of the lovely gifts you will be popping under the tree for your little ones to open this December. Whether they prefer beauty and dolls or construction and crafts there is something to put a smile on any face with my ideas below.


The Mini Mes and Me Christmas Gift Guide


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23 November 2014

Christmas Gift Giveaway - Day 23





My Christmas Gift Giveaway is back! 30 days, 30+ fantastic prizes.
A big thank you to my followers this year.


WIN a Bundle of Goodies


The Mini Mes and Me #ChristmasGiftGiveaway day 23

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19 November 2014

Christmas Gift Giveaway - Day 19





My Christmas Gift Giveaway is back! 30 days, 30+ fantastic prizes.
A big thank you to my followers this year.


WIN 3 Books from the Whimsy Wood Series


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18 November 2014

5 Amazing Educational Apps for Kids


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As most parents know quite well, kids and mobile devices seem to go together as naturally as toast and marmalade. Even small toddlers can grasp the concept of using their mum’s smartphone to play games. While our kids certainly enjoy all sorts of activities on these devices, we mums and dads hope that our kids are using apps that will help them learn. Fortunately, there are a variety of fun and engaging apps that also are educational. For example, consider the following:

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05 November 2014

Spooktacular Bath Time Fun


If the kids need encouragement to have a bath, which can be quite common, the best way to get them into the tub is by making cleaning fun. Shaped or character sponges, plenty of bubbles and toys can really help but I've recently discovered that the products from Mini-U help too; to the extent that I now struggle to get the kids back out as they enjoy them so much!


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04 November 2014

Christmas Gift Giveaway - Day 4



My Christmas Gift Giveaway is back! 30 days, 30+ fantastic prizes.
It's great way to treat yourself or to win some gifts for friends and family.



WIN a Konfidence Swim Kit


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02 November 2014

Christmas Gift Giveaway - Day 2



My Christmas Gift Giveaway is back! 30 days, 30+ fantastic prizes.
A little thank you from me to you for your support this year.



WIN a Personalised Notebook 


Just a few of the designs available

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31 October 2014

Game on for kids in sport

Image source


Children spend far too much time in front of computer screens and games consoles. It’s been in all the papers, so it must be true.

But what is a lesser-documented fact, is that there are also millions of kids who are happy to kick technology into touch and get active – while the former group is being encouraged constantly to try their hand at one sport variant or another.
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20 October 2014

Family Fashion - A House of Fraser Tea Party

We have quite a few mini things to celebrate at the moment; a successful start to the new academic year, great school reports and a nice break to look forward to in a few weeks time. We decided these were actually reason enough for a little party in the garden before winter arrives (not that an excuse is ever needed), and the lovely peeps over at House of Fraser let us pick out some new clothing. They even teamed their outfits with some goody bags too...



House of Fraser Family Fashion

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29 September 2014

Family Favourites - Food and Drink

Lots of goodies pass my lips each day, probably a little too many in fact, but with so many delicious products coming to my door it's no surprise that I like to indulge and sample a few. As do the Mr and Mini Mes.

Here are some recent arrivals that have been really popular with us as a family; you might want to add some into your shopping trolley...



I Mune Nurture Drinks
The strawberry and cherry flavour was well loved by the Mini Mes, especially with the unusual and handy spill proof lid which they liked to try. It pushes in to release the juice and then cuts the flow back off to stop leaks in bags - such a great idea for younger ones in particular! The drinks have
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09 September 2014

Keep bugs at bay, the Vosene way


With the children back at school and others starting for the first time, it's quite likely that at some point soon your little ones will return home with unwanted visitors. Head lice. 

Unfortunately as many as 63% of parents, with children aged 4-11 years of age, have said in a survey that their children have had head lice. Prevention is certainly better, and easier than cure, and Vosene's repellent products are here to help!





Lice go for clean or dirty hair, long or short, so if heads touch (they can't fly/jump) it is possible they will be transferred but you can certainly do your bit to try and prevent them. Vosene Kids shampoo and conditioning spray help to defend against head lice and leave hair clean and fresh with each use.
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03 September 2014

The best education apps to help your child develop

With technology advancing at a rapid rate you can now find a host of educational apps that will help your child learn and develop. From puzzles and games to clever teacher/parent communication tools there are plenty to choose from, but which applications are the best?

Here are five apps that you simply must download:


Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss 
Education should be fun, so why not download the Green Eggs and Ham app by Dr. Seuss and teach your child how to read in a lively, colourful and interesting way? A quirky, interactive e-book with plenty of animation, this app highlights words as the narrator reads, giving kids the chance to understand and learn new vocabulary. Youngsters can also record their own narration and click on objects to discover a word or sound.
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