A positive framework can make us happier, stronger mothers especially in this most unusual of times, reports Natalie Ritchie Even though we may have planned and wanted to be mothers, motherhood is a sudden shock for many of us. It is one of the biggest changes...
Consequences is a very old game, already well established in the 16th century. It continues to be handed down, generation after generation. Some things just never change: when boy meets girl, the world is bound to talk. A good one for teenagers, in our opinion. NUMBER...
Search out those old family games and enjoy the 'lockdown' at home. Remember that old adage about 'the family that plays together, stays together! There are some great books around about games that you can play with little or no equipment - stuff that you can...
Today's fathers are more determined to be present fathers for their children than their own fathers reports Peter West Traditionally, fathers were breadwinners and disciplinarians. Fathers taught their sons how to play football and encouraged their children to “buy a block of land”. I’ve been researching...
Johanna Rigg-Smith wanted a no-frills childhood for her daughter, but has learned to embrace pink tulle…up to a pointe. If only I could bottle this confidence, this serenity, and hand it back to her when she turns 15, when those stars will seem out of reach,...
Is there a special time when our children’s brains are more open to learning new skills like reading, writing and playing a musical instrument? And is ‘earlier’ always ‘better’? We all want to give our children the best start in life, yet knowing when to introduce...
Lisa Johnson hopes to give her children the gift that money can’t buy – the confidence to be themselves. … my daughter has always been true to herself and not worried about what others think of her...
Rosemary Neilson recalls the initially difficult process of adapting to her daughter’s insistence on a vegetarian diet. Only a lucky few mums and dads are spared the daily trauma of having to coax their small children to eat up and eat well at mealtimes. Toddlers can...
This month, our mini mag focuses on Create + Play. Our two fave things! It’s packed with DIY's and activities to keep the kids busy and entertained....
Explaining to her son that school was a five-days-a-week deal was never going to be easy for Elizabeth Bate. Sam’s first few days of 'Grade One' went surprisingly well – too well, perhaps. Our local primary school had arranged for a gradual introduction by allowing the...
