Internet safety | teaching kids to be safe online

 As a former ICT and class blog co-ordinator within my former teaching role, online safety was a key part of my job - but it is an ever changing landscape and something that we as parents (and Teachers) need to keep on top of. 

 

This blog post looks at the use of blogs, phones, games and devices whilst at school and at home and explains how to discuss online safety with your child and give them the tools needed to keep themselves and others safe. We also have a list of dos and don'ts for device use with children.

Technology Ideas for the Early Years

When we think about what ICT and technology looks like for young children, it can be easy to assume that the focus is placed firmly on screen technology such as computers, ipads, tablets and other screens, but this isn't the case at all...

 

Technology for children, particularly in the Early Years, involves objects which work in different ways, for different purposes...Equipment which involves 'technology' to achieve an outcome or an effect. Mechanical toys with simple mechanisms, which allow children to investigate those "what will happen if..?" ideas...and of course, child-safe resources for children to act out scenarios within their play which may mimic real life technology used by adults.

Within this post I am going to suggest some ideas for technology for young children which can help to enhance learning through play by offering exciting resources. I will also be adding a list of technology ideas to my Amazon Associate storefront (affiliate) for you to browse through.

School readiness – preparing your child for Reception Class

School readiness…its something you’ll probably hear quite a lot if you have a child who is preparing to start Reception Class in September, but what does it actually mean??

How can we, as parents, make sure that we are helping and not hindering when preparing our 4 year olds for big school?

Most of my Teaching career was spent teaching Reception, and so this is something I thought long and hard about when passing on information to Parents. What would I hope, as their Teacher, they could do already? What sort of things would I discuss in the Parents meetings for new starters? Where would my expectations be bearing in mind I don’t yet know the children or what level they are at?

Unlike parenting high school children, where you may find yourself embarking on a Tutor Hunt - Its not what you might expect….

How Children Interpret Change Before They Fully Understand It

Change is part of childhood, even when children cannot yet put words to what feels different. A new routine, a shift in family life, or a change in expectations can land emotionally long before it makes sense logically. Children often show this through their mood, their behaviour, or questions that seem to come out of nowhere.

Adults can forget how much context children are missing. What feels straightforward with experience can feel confusing or unsettling to a child meeting it for the first time. When we understand how children interpret change, it becomes easier to respond with patience, warmth, and reassurance while their understanding slowly catches up.

57 EYFS Tuff Tray Ideas

I love our tuff tray, (probably even more than the children do), and thinking up tuff tray ideas - and although it can be a challenge to set them up sometimes - I love the wow factor a new tray play activity brings to young children and how excited and enthusiastic they are to go and explore straight away! I know that my carefully laid resources will be scattered around within minutes, but honestly, that's the beauty of it. A well played with EYFS tuff tray, where learning opportunities arise, does not come from children feeling like they can't touch, move, reorder or explore. A day without some 'mess' has usually been an unproductive one...

 I've picked out 57 tuff tray ideas (originally 19 but I keep updating!) of our current favourite EYFS tuff tray ideas here for you to enjoy and feel inspired! I also have a post showcasing our best sensory tray play ideas here.  If you want to learn more about tuff trays first - have a read of our complete guide to tuff trays here. 

You can find many of the resources mentioned over in my Amazon affiliate ideas list here (click here for USA version).

Expert tips for getting laser hair removal done in summer

In an ideal world, most of us will have taken care of our laser hair removal treatment during the autumn or winter before summer comes around. In practice, many of us are far too forgetful to put these ideals into practice, meaning that thousands of people end up having to do those laser hair removal sessions during the summer itself.

Doing your sessions in summer does mean that there are slightly more details to keep in mind, especially when it comes to caring for your skin. Here, we provide some expert tips for getting your laser hair removal sessions done in summer, from factoring in sun avoidance to the importance of taking your skincare seriously.

The Role of Footwear in a Holistic Beauty Routine

Sunglass Stock photos by Vecteezy

When we think about beauty routines, skincare, haircare and makeup often take centre stage. Yet true beauty goes far beyond what we apply on the surface. A holistic approach looks at how we feel in our bodies every day. Footwear, including supportive options like skechers for women, plays a surprisingly important role in this bigger picture, influencing posture, comfort and even overall wellbeing.

When your feet feel good, everything else tends to follow. Comfort supports confidence, movement supports energy, and together they form the foundation of a beauty routine that works from the inside out.

Choosing the Right Car Insurance for Families with Young Children

Image Source: Pexels

Every parent remembers that first car journey home from the hospital, driving 20mph under the speed limit, convinced every other driver is a maniac. That hyper-awareness fades, but the stakes never do. Here's something that might surprise you: families with just one child pay £92 more annually for car insurance than childless drivers, and that figure climbs with each additional child.

Most parents know they need car insurance, but few understand what actually protects their family when it matters most. After reviewing current UK insurance data and comparing policies from major providers, we've identified the coverage types that genuinely benefit families versus the add-ons that simply inflate premiums.

This guide cuts through the jargon to show you exactly what matters when insuring a family car, from often-overlooked child seat replacement covers to the money-saving tactics that don't compromise your family's safety.

How Children Process Family Changes Through Play

During major family transitions such as divorce or separation, children often cannot express their feelings clearly through words. Play becomes their most dependable outlet, as young children naturally express feelings through play rather than conversation, especially when faced with big changes at home. Using toys and games, children work through what they see and feel, drawing on imagination to process new emotions and family arrangements.

Play serves as a natural language for children, allowing them to manage confusing feelings in a safe environment. A child might act out family scenarios with dolls, create drawings that show their view of the situation, or engage in more physical play to release tension. These activities are more than just pastimes; they can be helpful coping mechanisms that may reduce distress during difficult times.

3 things to look for in the perfect t-shirt

T-shirts have long been a fashion staple in most people’s wardrobes. They go with a wide range of outfits, and are practically unbeatable when trying to find a versatile item that will work in most occasions. 

Not all t-shirts are born equal, however, and it’s vital that you refine your search somewhat before you get started. From fabric quality to following your own personal tastes, these are 3 things to look for in the perfect t-shirt. 

Sustainable, Soft & Stylish: British Boxers Bamboo PJs Review

I’ve been trying out the Women’s Bamboo Pyjama Set in Juniper Polka from British Boxers, and honestly… I’m in love. If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know how much I appreciate sleepwear that feels as good as it looks, and this set absolutely delivers.

Collaborative post

British Boxers is a UK-based brand known for its luxurious matching family pyjamas - and their bamboo range feels like a real treat. In this post, I’ll walk you through what makes this set so special, how it wears, and whether it lives up to the hype.

Unique photo books and gift ideas

Finding unique photo gift ideas for children, which also incorporate an element of fun and learning into the mix might sound like an impossible task, but I've got some absolute corkers to show you in this blog post!

 

Children love an element of personalisation within their gifts, whether it's personalised photo books full of their favourite memories from the last year, personalised story books or personalised wrapping paper  - including them in some way is a great way of keeping them engaged. 

Here are some of my best Christmas gifts ideas, which you can also try for yourself using our discount code at the end of the post. We are also running a competition for you to WIN a £50 voucher, head to the end of the post to enter. 

New Baby Essentials gift guide

Are you having a new baby soon, or know of someone who is? It can be hard to work out just what to buy as a gift for a new mum or a newborn baby - making sure your gift is useful or meaningful is key, as you don't want to be adding to the amount of 'stuff' that new parents seem to acquire once a baby comes along! Some parents may be starting out with nothing, and so helping out by purchasing the 'essentials' rather than something more luxurious may be your preference. You may wish to treat the parent to a useful gift, rather than the baby...after all, they have likely spent 9 months growing a baby (and all that goes along with that!), to then be faced with labour, birth and sleepless nights. Whatever your prefer, this new baby essentials gift guide has a range of ideas for every budget and preference...

 

Disclosure: Paid partnership - some of these items are affiliate links or gifted items for the purpose of an honest review. 

From purchasing the newborn essentials, to making sure you have new mother and baby well-being covered, this blog post gives some suggestions and honest feedback on a range of products for both parent and baby...