Parenting

They said parenting gets easier as kids get older… but no one warned me about this stage

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When my children were small, the same comments came up again and again. People would stop me in supermarkets, smile sympathetically and say, “Wow, you’ve got your hands full,” or ask, “Are they all yours?” With four children aged eight and under, the reactions were predictable. Crossing the road felt like a tactical operation, airport travel required military-level planning, and leaving the house involved snacks, spare clothes, emergency snacks, backup snacks, wipes, drinks and at least one forgotten shoe. Life was loud, messy and relentlessly busy.

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Parenting, Sports & Activities

When Kids’ Clubs Become Toxic: How to Cope When Parents Are Part of the Problem

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Kids’ clubs are supposed to be safe spaces. Whether it is swimming, football, gymnastics, dance or drama, most parents sign their children up hoping they will build confidence, friendships and skills. Yet anyone who has spent time in competitive or tightly knit clubs knows that sometimes the biggest problems are not the children — they are the adults standing on the side lines.

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Health, Parenting

Teaching Your Teen to Care for Their Hygiene

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So your teenager is growing up. It seems to happen overnight, and yet you certainly saw it coming. You have tried to teach them everything from how to handle their budding finances to how to empty the bins when they are full, and yet there is always more to teach them. One of the most important things they need to learn is how to deal with their personal hygiene demands. Here is a quick primer and a few reminders to help refresh everyone’s memories when you need them.

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Parenting

How to Teach Foster Children About Their Family Heritage and Cultural Identity

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Knowing where you come from acts as an anchor. It holds you steady when life gets rough. For children, having a solid grasp of their background builds confidence and self-worth. In a typical household, this often happens over the dinner table or during school runs. However, for those looking after a child who isn’t their own, it takes a bit more effort. It requires a conscious decision to keep those links alive.

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Health, Parenting, Sports & Activities

Why Winter Dehydration in Children Is More Common Than You Think

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When parents think about dehydration, the first images that come to mind are usually hot summer days, sweaty sports sessions and warm-weather holidays. In fact, dehydration is just as common – and sometimes even more likely – during the winter months. Cold weather, indoor heating, layers of clothing and seasonal illnesses all contribute to fluid loss, yet many children drink far less in winter than they need.

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