7 Things I've Learnt As A Parent

Since the very first moment I held my newborns in my arms it has been an incredible learning journey. You may think as a parent you're the one teaching your child as you raise them but you certainly do develop and change as a person too. You grow as your little one does.

Here are seven things I've learnt as a parent...

Your best is good enough
Parents really give themselves a hard time but you should know that you're doing a wonderful job and you are a good parent. If you're worrying about how well you're doing that alone is a sign that you care enough to be concerned and you're therefore a pretty good mum or dad.  It's okay for your child to have chicken nuggets and chips from time to time and you shouldn't feel guilty, it's okay to raise your voice or get grumpy when you're sleep deprived and it's okay to leave the dishes on the side for a day. People may judge you at times for your choices on breast/bottle feeding or disposable/cloth nappy usage but if your kids are happy and healthy that's all that matters.

Making the Perfect Arts and Crafts Space for your Child

It’s important that you encourage your children to be creative – as it has many benefits for them. It can help them to develop their social skills as well as to develop mentally and emotionally. It can also be a great way for them to learn how to problem solve. They will be learning without even knowing it. They will count colours, develop motor skills by using a paintbrush and more. Here we discuss how you can create the perfect arts and crafts space for your child.

Preparing Your Children For School

The years seem to fly by and before you know it, your little one will be getting ready to go to school. While this can be a rather daunting moment for you as a parent, you will no doubt be more concerned about doing your absolute best to ensure that your child is ready to take the step.

These tips should help to ensure that your child is ready for their first day:

Emotional Preparation

Getting your child ready for school is an emotional, as well as physical, journey and the emotional aspect is absolutely essential to make sure that they are school ready. Take a few trips to the school together to familiarise them with the journey, and go into their classroom - this will help them feel comfortable arriving and staying there when you won't be around to hold their hand. Meeting the teacher together is also a really great way to get your child familiar with the person who they will be spending the most time with at the school.

5 Top Tips on Encouraging Children to Share

Sharing can often be difficult for little ones. They may not want to let friends or siblings play with their toys but it's an important life skill which can bring lots of joy to them and others. As they grow they will also learn that sharing good news can actually increase happiness further, as shown in the video below - even if it's meant to be a secret!

Sharing is certainly beneficial and our tips may help your child to share more so.

Lead by example

Sharing with your child will let them learn what is expected of them and let them understand the nice feelings sharing brings for themselves and others. Talk about what you're sharing, whether it's cake, a story book or pieces in a game, and explain how kind it is to do so. Ask them how they would feel if people didn't share with them and talk about how hurtful that can be. Also tell them details on your day and ask them how their day has been to improve information sharing.

Back To School Labels (PLUS Your Chance To Win)

The school year seemed to fly by and now as September approaches I'm preparing for another term and sending my little ones back through the gates excitedly into new classes. Like all parents, I don't want their shiny shoes, crisp white shirts and jumpers (which cost a small fortune) to go missing so labelling uniform is a wise option and something I do every summer. 

 

Petit Fernand have a great range of customisable stickers and they have kindly sent packs for both of the Mini Mes to use - there is a chance to win some for yourselves too.

 

 

Image from Petit-Fernand

 

 

Ordering is really straight forward and the website is easy to navigate. I selected the school packs which consist of 40 Iron-on name labels, 30 Stick-on name labels, 20 Stick-on name labels, 40 Stick-