Again this was something that I saw a parent asking about on social media. I would start by sharing books with children; as many as possible. My favourite children’s books here. Next have a game with children were you hold up an everyday object and ask what letter it begins with, for example, hold up…
I was sent a pack of 4 individually boxed toothbrushes:- Each brush has an image of an ocean friend on the handle: These are:- Frosty, a penguin Ollie, a dolphin Snowball, a polar bear and Luna, a blue whale On each box there is some information about the ocean friend, for example, how it moves…
This is a small selection of activities that ichild offer:- EASTER COLOUR AND COUNT: This is exactly what it says; an Easter picture to colour and related images to discover and count, great for helping children with learning about counting and numbers. Number recognition here. EASTER CROSSWORD: 10 clues with the answers at the bottom…
Current events have meant that due to schools having to close parents are needing to home school their children’ My children are grown now, so I don’t have personal experience of this, but this is how I would have dealt with it:- Ensure that children get up at a reasonable time ( this is not…
Due to the recent events, today’s post is a bit of fun to hopefully cheer everyone up. I like most parents, I would think, have told my children a few white lies over the years; other than Santa and the tooth fairy, we came up with several more:- My youngest son always wanted to be…
Walker books sent this delightful children’s picture book. Straight away the front cover will appeal to any children interested in vehicles ( as my boys were when they were younger). The text is written in fun rhyme and some of the text is repeated; making it more interesting for children to join in with reading…
As most of us are trying avoiding going into shops. unless for essential food activities for children using things that we already have is a good idea:- Toddlers will enjoy having a saucepan and wooden spoon to use as a drum ( not so great if you have a headache though!). Make your own shakers…
As the schools have been forced to close and most children will need to stay at home,without attending usual group activities they will quite rightly start to ask questions about why. Because I have NO medical training this is not based on medical facts; these are just my thoughts and advice to parents and carers:-…
When my children were young and when I was working as a registered child minder, I was always looking for simple, cheap activity ideas that the children could do. Now that the corona virus is forcing some people to self isolate having things to entertain children is even more important:- One of the most popular…
This is a small selection of crafts available from ichild:- HANDPRINT FLOWER CRAFT; In my experience most children will jump at the chance of having their hand painted and printed onto paper, so this craft is perfect. There is a flower pot image to download and colour as you wish, even the youngest of children…
I recently came across an article saying that father’s should be allowed to sleep over on maternity wards. I know from watching documentaries on television that some private hospitals, such as The Portman, permit this ( for a large cost, I would think) but should N.H.S. hospitals also let new dad’s stay overnight? My feeling…
Recent reports have said that 1 in 3 children are obese before they leave primary school. To help prevent this it is important to make sure that children get enough exercise and eat a healthy diet. Set a good example by exercising with your children; anything that raises the heart beat and makes you a…
Tickle daggers is a rabbit who is different from the rest of his family; his ears hang down, rather than standing upright. But Tickle daggers has a special power – he helps others who are different to fit in and feel good. This amazing children’s picture book is written and beautifully illustrated by Adrienne Anifant…
This is a request from a Facebook friend who has a ‘terrible 2’ to deal with. I have always advised parents to reward any good wanted behaviour and ignore the unwanted. I used a reward chart for my son for both managing his behaviour and for helping with potty training. Potty training tips here. There…
On arrival, I must admit that I was a little confused by what this was; it appeared to be a soft cloud pad! However, when it was placed in a bowl of warm water as per the instruction leaflet, the cloud dissolved revealing 4 bags ( there are more bags available to collect). The water…
Because child minders have fewer children in their care than larger settings, such as nurseries and pre-schools, they should have more time to be able to tailor activities to suit individual children. When I was a registered child minder I felt that I knew my children very well. As I was in receipt of the…
When I was working as a registered child minder, I did a topic on the theme of people who help us. We went on a visit to the local fire station, with some other child minders and their children; this was arranged by the leader of our child minding network. We were all given a…
Kasie Kennedy wrote this beautiful children’s picture book after loosing her father and wanting her daughter to have a connection with her grandpa. The text is written in rhyme and the illustrations are stunningly colourful and bright. I feel that this book will help many children who have lost a family member or even a…
This is a collection of 3 different stories; all written in rhyming text. The rirst story with just 6 pages is my favourite as who doesn’t belive in fairies at the bottom of the garden? The final tale with 10 pages is the longest of the trio. All of the stories have bright, colourful illustrations….
There is no law in Britain, currently, saying when a child can be left at home alone; but the N.S.P.C.C. recommends that they shouldn’t be left alone if under 12 years of age. This got me thinking: Although I believe that there should be some kind of law to safeguard children, I know that some…
This is a selection of Valentine crafts from ichild>- HAND ON HEART VALENTINES CARD; A great craft foe early years, as most children are happy to have their hand drawn around. Simply draw a heart shape ( or use the downloadable template) in the centre of the hand and ask the child what message they…
This glossy paperback children’s picture book has a bright front cover. The book tells the story of William, a fish, who with the help from another fish, manages to save his ocean friends from plastic polution. The text is written in rhyme; my absolute favourite in children’s literature because it makes it fun to read-…
A head teacher has been reported, this week, as saying that helping children with their homework can have a negative effect on development: Children need to learn to deal with failure, she says and by helping with homework a child may not fail, this got me thinking:- Parents can sometimes confuse a child by trying…
Once again Tiny tree children’s books have come up with a lovely picture book for children aged 3-5 years. The paperback book is written by Vanessa Horn and Alex Willmore has illustrated the story with bright, colourful, cheerful images. The tale is of something that children with a baby sibling will relate to. Millie is…
Once again this is a topic that was brought up on a daytime television program. A working mother said that as well as working full time, her husband still expected her to do everything concerning the children in the evenings and weekends. Another woman said that when she came home from work, her husband told…
Schools around the country have been seeing boys falling behind girls by the age of 7. The gap is widest in English; reading and writing , but also presents a significant difference in maths and science. In my experience as both a parent and a registered child minder girls tend to have a longer concentration…
My husband would say that I am the most qualified person on the planet to help and encourage children to talk; as in spite of suffering a massive stroke and an unrelated brain tumour, I am still able to talk extremely well!( he is disappointed about this). I believe that you should talk to your…
Austin Macauley got in touch to ask for this review. Sally Lewer Ahern , the author, has written the book from the heart. It is full of love for her adopted son Carlos. Sally tells the heartwarming story of how she became a mother to Carlos. She has included some hints and tips in her…
This was the topic brought up on a daytime television programme just before Christmas. I have never been a smoker, but must point out that I am NOT having a go at anyone who does. I am not against smoking; it is a personal choice: I am against smoking in front of children, though. As…
Busy parents will find it helpful if their children go to sleep early on Christmas eve. giving them time to prepare for the following big day. When I was a girl, my mother always told my sisters and I that if we went to bed early on Christmas eve Christmas day would come quicker, I…
Best learning sent this great children’s toy for review. Stack and learn is different from the average stacking ring toy, as it consists of a tower and 5 coloured rings, which are brightly coloured in red, orange, yellow, green and purple. Each ring has 3 different images (which link to the different modes available; number,…
When I was a registered child minder I was always on the lookout for activities for the children; Christmas was my favourite time for providing crafts for them to do:- There are some new downloads available from ichild: The star gives children a chance to practice their cutting skills. It is beautiful as it is…
Thankfully, I have only had experience of this a couple of times. Once a new parent didn’t come to collect her child at the contracted time. I had another child due to arrive soon, which would mean that I was over the number of children that I was registered to have. I tried phoning her…
Babycup first cups are suitable from 4 months of age. I was sent a set of 4 cups in pretty colours, which instantly make them appealing. The thing that makes Babycup different from other child cups and beakers is that they are sippy- not sucky; making it easy for young children to use ( I…
One of my favourite times of year is Christmas and the school nativity play was something that myself and my husband looked forward to. My youngest son attended a small village school where almost everyone felt like family. One year we took along an 18 month old child who I was child minding, she sat…
Elizabeth, who is new to child minding, has asked for some ideas for teaching children about size. I have always had a height chart on my kitchen wall, it was a family tradition to measure my children the day before a birthday and see how much they grew that year. I remember once when my…
This colourful, fun children’s book helps to teach children about animals, numbers and counting to 10. I would also ask children if they know what noise each animal makes. The text is written in rhyme making the book even more fun to share with children, who will enjoy the bright, colourful illustrations . Creature teacher…
“You must share your toys!” is something that I often hear parents tell their children. But how does a child learn to share? The key is to encourage children to share from as early an age as possible; by sharing with siblings, having children over for play dates, or taking children along to groups such…
Nikki Saunders, the author of this wonderful children’s book is a mother of 2 children who have autism. She wrote the book as she struggled to find child friendly literature on the subject when her boys were diagnosed. The book has a bright front cover in my favourite colour purple . From start to finish…
With Christmas virtually just around the corner, I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences of children with Santa. I used taking my second son to see Santa as a chance to get him to give up his dummy, I told him that Santa would give it to ‘baby Rudolph’ so that he could settle…
Healthy Cooking for a Family: Quick and Delicious Ideas Busy lives can make it tricky to ensure that your family is eating healthily, but with some handy hints and a little planning it becomes a lot easier. And once you’ve found a routine that works, the whole process gets quicker and quicker. So, let’s take…
Anyone who knows me or is a reader of my blog will know that I am passionate about children’s literature. When I was a girl I loved to read Enid Blyton: especially The Famous Five books and when I spent some time in hospital, aged 10. having my appendix removed these books helped me get…
In a world that seems to be dominated by plastic products, in contrast, treasure baskets are a collection of household items made from natural materials which are given to babies and young children to explore. A baby starts to explore using her hands and fingers well before birth, while still in the womb. Treasure basket…
I was invited to attend the Disney on ice event at Westpoint in Exeter As. I am a wheelchair user a building with suitable assess was essential. Westpoint was perfect and easy for my son to push my wheelchair around. We had a great view of the rink from our seats (even for…
Today’s post is a suggestion from an Instagram follower. Sensory play is what it says on the tin: Play that stimulates a child’s senses: touch, smell,taste, sight and hearing. Messy play is just a small part of sensory play. When I was a registered child minder one of the games I would play with the children…
This hardback children’s book is written by Mary Murphy. The bright, colourful illustrations drawn by Zhu Chebn-Liang make it really appealing. The book is a delight and tells the story of a little girl and what she likes most; as is usual with young children, she keeps changing her mind and each page shows something…
Many modern mums are both bringing up a family and working just to make ends meet. The key to a successful work life balance, to me, is to have a routine and try to stick to it. Other tips that come to mind are:- Be realistic; you are only human and therefore can only achieve…
All of these crafts from ichild can be made cheaply from store cupboard essentials:- MAKE A WITCH Using the blank or ready coloured template assemble the pieces to create your very own witch . PAPER PLATE GHOST;; This is a simple, but effective way of creating a ghost, it will help children to learn to…
When I was a registered child minder I was always keen to get my name ‘out there’ as word of mouth is the best form of advertising. I had my people carrier vehicle sign written ( the cost can go against tax as an expense) it just had my name, the fact that I was…
This was a topic being discussed on a daytime television programme this week. Personally, I think that too much tech can have a negative effect on children. My eldest son loved his play station and would become moody when told to turn it off. A friend has told me that her son would trash his…
This paperback children’s book is a take on some favourite fairy tale characters. Alison Paige, the author, has written the story in a way that will appeal to children; it is quite humorous in places and the text is rhyming in others. Paddy Donnelly has illustrated the book beautifully. The tale of Mrs M’Grady is…
Registered child minders may work alone in their own homes, but they are early years professionals and should have a contract with parents, just as larger settings do. I would have an initial meeting with parents looking for childcare; tips on what to say here When the parents had agreed to me looking after their…
A recent programme on television showed parents who have 3 children and believe that their children don’t need any rules: they do what they want, when they want. The mother sleeps with the youngest child in her bed. The children don’t have set bedtimes; they go to bed when they feel that they are tired…
A friend has suggested this week’s post. She said that she has noticed that many parents seem to want to keep their children in a buggy or pushchair for their convenience and wonders at what age a child should be expected or encouraged to walk rather than ride. My answer is that as all children…
Earlier this week I went into a well known High street store; the first aisle that I came across was full of Halloween costumes, the next one was overflowing with Christmas decorations, cards and paper. It is only the middle of September! This got me thinking about any children who were taken into the store;…
After watching a child have a major temper tantrum in a supermarket, a customer ( who was not the parent) told him to “Shut up!” Is it okay to discipline someone else’s child? I used to work as a registered child minder and therefore I had to manage the behaviour of the children in my…
It has been reported that parents are too scared to let their children play outside; are they over-reacting? The children have gone back to school now after the long summer break, but we still have a good month’s worth of light evenings were children could play outside if they are allowed. When I was a…
When I was working as a registered child minder I was always on the lookout for ideas for cheap activities and places to take the children. We often went to the local soft play facility at the leisure centre where several child minders would meet up with the children, we even managed to get a…
With the colder weather approaching meaning that coughs and colds are on the horizon; the timing of this children’s book that teaches them to put their hands over their mouths or use a tissue to catch that cough is perfect. The front cover is a sunny yellow colour which makes you want to investigate further….
Having an Ofsted inspector or N.V.Q. assessor visit your setting can be a daunting prospect for child minders and other early years practitioners. . Here are a few of my personnel experiences:- When my N.V.Q. assessor was visiting as part of my work to gain my N.V.Q. level 3 in early years care and education,…
Best learning sent this interactive matching game for review. There are 24 different cards containing 48 lessons; from learning the alphabet to transportation. Basically, when a chosen card is inserted in the console and the relevant card code is entered using the hand controller the fun and learning will begin . Children aged 6 years…
A recent television programme shows Jo-Rosie Haffenden who believes that we should train our babies like dogs. Although I would never suggest putting a collar and lead on your baby:I have been saying for years that animals, children (and husbands!) can be ‘trained’ in a similar way: which is to reward any good wanted behaviour…
This children’s book which has a pale pastel cover is written by Katy Segrove. On opening the book there is a space for children to write, or get an adult to write their name; providing an opportunity to recognise their name each time the book is looked at .. Malcolm’s friends all love to play…
It has been reported recently that parents have been paying an average of £7.70 in extra pocket money in an attempt to stop their children having too much screen time. Addicted to screens here After some research I discovered that friends give their children the following amounts of pocket money:- Megan, 9, is given £2…
Errol is a boy who is bothered by a monster; wherever he goes, whatever he does, the monster is there. So he makes a plan to get rid of it. This delightful children’s book is written by Cameron Shepherd. It could be used by practitioners or parents as a tool to help children to deal…
I was sent the Carmella apple candy locks doll to review. The first thing that struck me was how tiny she is, Carmella apple is wearing pink roller boots, she can move from the waist and has flexible arms. What Carmella apple and the other candy locks dolls lack in size make up for by…
This great children’s book has a fantastic message; that it is okay for children to say no to something that they are uncomfortable with. The book has a bright, colourful front cover making it appealing straight away. Malina doesn’t like the idea of her friend’s new activity, which is playing the bum drum game. ….
5 Tips for Surviving Family Vacation I remember the chaotic days of our family’s seasonal vacations just like they were yesterday. Between my parents arguing over directions, my siblings crying and bickering over not sharing the electronic devices enough, or my granddad bringing up uncomfortable, and often times inappropriate, conversations about a distant relative…
This is a selection of back to school and starting school activities available to download form ichild. There are several school related pictures for children to colour; including a colour and count lunch box picture which promotes healthy eating. There are fun school badges to make, with the option of colouring your own badge or…
Parents sometimes get confused about the different types of daycare available for their children and I was recently asked to explain the differences by a friend:- CHILDMINDERS: As I used to be a registered child minder, this is my favourite type of daycare, Child minders maybe the best option for working parents because they can…
Should I Get a Pet For My Kids? We are a family of five: Me, my husband, Cassie, 3, Vivi, 1, and Elliot, 2 months. Right now our lives are pretty busy (as you can imagine) and a pet is the last thing we are considering in these early years. But as the kids…
A friend recently received a letter from school informing her that her daughter would be having a lesson explaining growing up and changing bodies, so she suggested that I should write about this topic. I remember my mum ( who like most people of her generation found it difficult to talk about this subject) giving…
Kitty Irvine got in touch to ask if I would review her book. The front cover is glossy and shows the characters who appear in the book. The story is all about the magical land of Willowwood snug. It follows twins; Tippy and Tilly who are excited about being big enough to start going to…
The endless days of summer—sitting by the pool, soaking up the sun, catching up with friends and family. The cook outs, summer trips and summertime projects. There are many activities to fill the longer days of summer, but what do you do when you get to the midpoint of summer vacation and the kids start…
New child minders and other early years practitioners are sometimes confused by early years jargon; hopefully this will explain:- OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS: These are questions that make children think about their answers, for example; when playing with children instead of asking questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” ask a…
The Second Baby’s on Its Way – What’s the Firstborn Going to Say? You’ve made up your mind and realised that it’s the right time to get the second baby. Now you need to prepare yourself and the rest of your family for the arrival of this new little being. You and your partner…
I have always been horse mad and wanted my own horse for as long as I can remember; I used to say that I wanted to marry a rich farmer, as a way of getting my own equine. Sadly that never happened, however, I spent many happy hours riding various horses belonging to others (…
It has recently been mentioned that maybe parents should be banned from school sports day; this is because some parents have behaved badly and embarrassed their children. Some parents are annoyed when their children don’t win.One parent even went so far as to take along her own sports day medal to give to her (and…
I am a stroke survivor and have recently gained the courage to go out alone using my electric wheelchair ( rather than with a friend or relative). To help fill my time I contacted a local primary school to see if I could be a reading volunteer, as I used to be a child minder …
Katie, a child minder has requested today’s post. I am a fan of getting children out and about whenever possible; so forest schools are right up my street. I often took the children in my care to the woods when I was a registered child minder- read about it here …
A book has recently been published in which it states that a baby should be left to cry and that there is no evidence that this will harm a child. This got me thinking:- I believe that a baby cries for a reason and therefore should not be left to ‘cry it out’. I also…
As we are approaching the end of another school year and most schools will be hosting a parents evening; I decided to share my thoughts and experiences;:- A recent episode of a daytime television programme shared that a father fell asleep during a parents evening and a child asked her dad not to tell his…
http://www.facebook.com/michelleningbooks/This fantastic children’s book is written and illustrated by Michelle Ning Lo. The front cover is really bright and colourful making it appealing straight away. Inside is an animal alphabet; not only is the text written in rhyme (making it even more fun and easier for any early readers to predict the next word-giving them…
Dear parents-to-be What I wish I had known as a first time parent! This is such an exciting time but I, like so many others had not prepared myself to teach my baby to sleep when she arrived and I quickly found myself being woken every hour of the night – I spent…
Mrs Wordsmith sent volumes 1 and 2 of these children’s sticker books, which also help with children learning to read. Each of the books has 10 pages of bright, colourful round stickers; which as a former early years practitioner, I know will appeal to children. The books have a space for each sticker with…
When I first applied to become a registered child minder, many years ago now, we were all advised, at a compulsory foundation course ( designed as an introduction to child minding)not to child mind for friends or neighbours, I wasn’t sure, then, why this was so and when I received my child minders certificate, I…
Tiny tree books sent this lovely book, which explores a child’s imagination; it is full of diversity. The book also challenges gender stereo-types; as Millie, the girl in the story pretends to be a fire fighter just like her dad . This wonderful daddy/daughter story is written by Ryan Crawford and Kayla Coombs. …
Best learning sent this great educational toy. The whack and learn mole will teach children the alphabet, numbers 1-12 and colours while also developing hand-to-eye co-ordination and dexterity; all whilst having fun. When a child age 6 months upwards whacks the mole on the head he can start playing and learning. There are different modes:-…
I recently watched a program on television were a pregnant woman was concerned that she wouldn’t be able to love this baby as much as her first and would she have enough love to go around? In my experience you absolutely will love every child as much, as all babies are individuals with different personalities …
Forelock books sent the following:- THE HORSE WITH BIG HAIR: This colourful children’s picture book is written by Sally Burrell, it tells the tale of Buckle, a horse with a messy mane and tail. The other horses and children laugh at him because of this, but Buckle doesn’t mind because his owner loves him just…
When I was working as a resisted child minder, like most other child minders I looked after a variety of children of different ages, stages of development and some with special needs (often all at once). My favourite activities which can be enjoyed by everyone, with maybe a few adjustments to suit special needs are:-…
Tiny tree children’s books sent the following:- BINX LOST IN FRANCE This is the second Binx book that I have reviewed, Binx the Jinx was equally as good as this one. The story is written in rhyming text- my favourite.and is printed clearly enough for early readers to attempt reading for themselves. It is…
I heard on the radio that Romeo Beckham feels that he is letting his dad down because he isn’t very good at football. This got me thinking; should we expect our children to follow in our footsteps and if so are we putting too much pressure on them? Regular readers will be aware that I …
When I was sent this hardback children’s book to review, I could tell straight away that I was going to love everything about it. The front cover gives a wonderful clue as to what is inside. The book is written in a sensitive way that children will be able to understand; from explaining about the…
When I was a registered child minder I would often sing with the children in my care; I will admit to being the world’s worst singer, but the children seemed to like it, recently a parent whose son I used to look after when he was 4 ( he is in his 30’s now) told…
This wonderful hardback children’s picture book is perfect for me to review, as I have a granddaughter , called Katlyn, she spells it a little differently (without the e) most people in England spell it Caitlin. The book is written by Kerri.T. Collins and the beautiful illustrations are drawn by Marcia Adams Ho . The…
I can clearly remember driving in my car in the 1990’s on the way to collect my children from school, the news reporter on the radio said that by the year 2010 more school age children would have mobile phones than wrist watches; what a load of rubbish I thought to myself, why would school…
Most parents have a busy schedule—making lunches, attending school events, trying to juggle work and a social life. Where does the time go? More often than not, it’s spent playing catch up. Maybe you missed an appointment or forgot to do a few things around the house. To help you get back on track, and…
In the hope of inspiring other disabled people to become more independent I am sharing my experience of travelling on the bus on my electric wheelchair. I survived a massive stroke just over 12 years ago and now feel that I need to start getting some independence back. I have been into town a few…