It happens every time I hand over a packet of crisps, pour a glass of juice, or divvy up a takeaway. Before my kids can say thank you, my hand’s already hovering over the spoils, ready to claim what’s rightfully mine. One crisp. One chip. Maybe a sip of milkshake if I’m feeling bold. That, …
It started with one of those brown envelopes that make your stomach drop before you’ve even opened them. Inside was a Fixed Penalty Notice for taking my child out of school during term time. We’d gone away for a few days in late June — a short family break that worked around my job, not …
Our living room has two modes. In one, it’s a respectable space with cushions arranged and mugs on coasters. In the other, it’s a makeshift wrestling ring in which I am regularly pinned by a person who still can’t tie his shoelaces. There is laughter, there is squealing, there is the occasional dramatic flop that …
When your kid comes home with a school report that’s more “could do better” than “child genius”, it’s easy to feel that creeping panic. You picture doors closing, futures shrinking, and the kid down the road who apparently learned trigonometry in Reception. But here’s the thing most of us need to hear: it’s absolutely fine …
Apparently, “six seven” is a thing now. Or should that be “six sevuuuhn”. I know this because my six-year-old keeps saying it — loudly, proudly, and at completely random moments. In the car, in the bath, halfway through his cereal. I asked him what it means, and he just shrugged. Which is fair enough, because …
If you’ve got a baby, you’ll already know that “no screen time before two” advice sounds great — until you’re trying to make a cup of tea with one hand and stop the baby eating a shoe with the other. Sometimes you just need something to hold their attention for five minutes. The good news? …
When my eldest first asked if he could go on social media, I’ll admit my gut reaction was a solid “absolutely not.” The idea of my kid being out there in the digital wilds — surrounded by influencers, algorithms, and people arguing about pineapple on pizza — filled me with dread. But, as with most …
Every parent knows the sinking feeling. Your child comes home buzzing about a new friend, and at first it seems harmless enough. Then you notice the changes: a sharpness in tone, bending the truth more often, testing boundaries they’d never pushed before. You start to wonder whether this new companion is such a good influence …
Screens get a bad rap when it comes to kids. They’re blamed for everything from short attention spans to the mysterious ability to hum TikTok songs for days on end. But let’s be honest: screens are here to stay. The trick, as any parent knows, is making sure they’re being used for something vaguely useful …
Preparing for your GCSE exams can feel intense, but the right approach can make all the difference to your results. It’s not just about how many hours you study, but about making sure you use that time in a way that works best for you. By following clear steps and using proven methods, you’ll prepare …