Mental Health

Blog posts relating to mental health subjects

Achieving personal development, Mental Health, Mindset change, Tools for managing anxiety, wellness

Things Are Changing for the Better but There Is Still Progress to Be Made

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AD / PR – please note – the sessions have been gifted in exchange for my honest thoughts about the process

At this point in my hypnotherapy course, I feel like I will always work on myself. The fact that our stress buckets constantly fill up with life’s challenges, means it’s ingrained in me that I have to empty it regularly. I simply cannot forget the techniques I am learning.

I will be honest and say that finding meditation time, as a busy mum, is difficult. It’s lovely to take part in the planned hypnotherapy sessions. This is time just for me. And I look forward to it. 

Still Progress to Be Made

So what’s changed since I last updated you? 

The only way I can explain the confidence changes I am experiencing is by explaining the feeling that something is happening in the background. I know I’m different. A better version of me. I’ve progressed. But because I haven’t actively taken part in the change process, I sometimes wonder what is happening behind the scenes. This is the curious, controlling part of me. And I also need to work on that!

Processes working behind the scenes 

Subconsciously certain things are happening. At work, we got the opportunity to apply for additional responsibilities for a role I would love to do. Without really thinking, I just sat and typed my application. I was present and open throughout the whole process and viewed it as a learning experience. 

My previous reaction to stressful situations

I mean nobody likes job interviews, do they? 

If you follow my blog, you will know that in the past I have completely crumbled in situations like this. Even having my interview for this current job, I took Kalms just beforehand and I was nervous. This time it’s different. 

Broadening my horizons… finally 

Because we are on a fixed-term contract at work, I am also taking the same attitude about other opportunities. And instead of not believing in myself, I am thinking about whether the company and the terms are right for me. I have literally never thought like that before in my life. All I can remember is suffering from low self-confidence. And believing I should attend all interviews, and take any opportunity offered because there wouldn’t be another one.

The work must continue 

Because these recent changes are so positive, I know I must continue setting aside time for myself. And during these periods of time, I must look after myself. Whether that be something I love doing, or meditation to achieve these great results. I am happier for working on myself. 

Final thoughts 

I have another session coming up tomorrow and after a break of three weeks, I am so looking forward to it. 

May the personal development continue, long after these wonderful sessions with Kevin have ended. 

Still Progress to Be Made
Gift Guides, Gifting, Mummy life, self-care, The Body Shop, wellness

The reasons I purchase with one trusted brand for gifts & self-care purchases

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I’ve talked about my love for The Body Shop on the blog before, and I’m here to tell you about it again. 

From the nostalgia of buying animal shaped soaps and lip balms as a teenager. To now needing anti ageing remedies and high-quality make-up. Whatever your need, The Body Shop has something for you. They are a brand I’ve trusted throughout my life.  I have never bought a product that I didn’t consider completely high quality. Not to mention their great company ethos!

Needless to say, I’m already smelling the raspberry body scrub and I’m getting my wishlist together. I am also currently on the website shopping for my wonderful mum, because she deserves something special.

Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for you.

I am proud to be an affiliate for The Body Shop, because the reality is, I recommend them to everyone I know already. Therefore, I’m going to tell you about some of the special offers they have on at the moment.

Why I love Mother’s Day 

I’m all for celebrating the mummies. We do a very difficult job, never moan and just get on with it. Women are the ultimate superheroes and therefore, Mother’s Day is one of my favourite occasions. 

This post is dedicated to all the amazing mamas out there. Whatever your situation, I hope you have a brilliant mothers day. Let me know in the comments below what you have planned.

Self-care

If you follow my blog, you will also know I am all about self-care. These moments of indulgence and restoration helped me recover from a tough time last year. Therefore, I make it a priority to look after myself whenever I can. Self-care purchases are part of my routine now.

Let’s dive into the wonderful products on offer

The Body shop is currently offering the following:

FREE MOTHER’S DAY GIFT WHEN YOU SPEND £30*

Spend £30 and receive a free Mascara Gift Set (worth £15) featuring our Happy Go Lash Mascara and our Camomile Cleansing Butter – so you can nourish and love your lashes!

Use code 13025

Who doesn’t love a gift?? Or a cupboard full of products for self-care.

Check out this handy guide on mothers day gifting

Take me to The Body Shop

Final thoughts

Are you ready to make your purchases?

Will you be buying a little gift for yourself? I sometimes, do! What self-care purchases do you have at home?

I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

signature self-care purchases

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Mental Health, Mummy life, self-care, Tools for managing anxiety, wellness

4 Ways to Unwind and Destress As a Parent

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As a mum, let alone any parent, it feels nearly impossible to have some time to yourself, right? Not only do you have the kids, but you have work, you have a household to run (including chores), you have to tend to your spouse, and let’s not forget your friends and family. It’s a lot, and it can be overwhelming. 

Being a parent is one of the toughest jobs in the world and there’s no doubt about it that it can be insanely stressful to the point of a mental breakdown. But how can you destress and unwind? While there isn’t some perfect equation, these are some ideas to help you hold on just a little longer.

Unwind and Destress
Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash

Find some “me time” to have each day

Everyone, no matter what age they are, will need to have some “me time”. This includes your little ones as well, as they need to learn to find themselves as entertainment. Maybe your time can happen during your children’s nap time, or when you put them in bed for the night. 

Just try to give yourself at least 30 minutes of “me time” each day. Just do whatever you want, as long as it helps you feel better. Many mums and parents, they’ll nap, read, exercise, or watch shows. Give this to yourself, you’re human, you need it.

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Sign up for my freebie library. Each week there will be a new freebie added to help organise your life and take away some stress!

Play with your children

Sounds odd, right? Well, depending on the age of your little ones, playing with them could be exactly what you need. Why not let them play with you, something that you love? For instance, you love to go out and do some gardening. For your child, they will consider this as a form of playtime. You get to spend time with them, they get to have fun, and you get to pretty up the garden, it’s a win! Other ideas can include puzzles or even playing video games together.

Give yourself a Spa Day

You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg just to go to a nice spa. Why not bring the whole spa day at home? This can include buying a plush Richard Haworth bathrobe and towel set. Why not play some relaxing music, take a long bath, and have some champagne? Even if you can’t afford a full spa day, at least give yourself an hour or two of being alone and enjoying the self-care you can give yourself. Even something as short as this can help your mentality out.

Look into other ways to de-stress

Being around friends can be one of the greatest ways to just really destress and unwind. So never neglect trying out this method. Usually, hanging out with friends can be a great way to have some of that “me-time” while still getting to interact with friends and keep those connections strong as well.

 So, look into doing this, as this is a great way to give yourself the chance to let go. Never feel guilty for needing some time to destress, parenting is tough, and having little to no time to yourself can actually lead to burnout. 

Unwind and Destress
Mental Health

Four ways to help your mental health 

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Your mental health is extremely important and should be looked after every day of your life. It’s normal for everyone to have down days and up days, which is why by looking after your mental health you will be aware of the days you are down and can make changes to help it. When it comes to helping your mental health, there are many things that you can do to help. Eating the correct foods, looking after your hygiene and making sure you exercise enough as well as other methods. Below we look into three ways you can look after your mental health. 

mental health

Make sure you look after your hygiene 

People don’t often speak about it, but hygiene is very important when it comes to your mental health. Just imagine living in a place that is messy, doesn’t smell great and isn’t looked after very well. Bad hygiene can make you feel down and cause others to avoid you as they don’t think you are very hygienic. If your home has bad air quality this can make you feel unwell, provide nasty smells and potentially damage your interiors. This can also extend to your work, if you are a business owner you want to make sure your workplace is clean with quality air coming through by using a company like Clean Air UK

Eat the correct foods 

Have you ever analysed and paid attention to the foods you regularly eat? Are you eating the recommended five pieces of fruit a day? You are what you eat after all! By not eating well, you will not only put on weight but also start to feel lethargic. These can have knock-on effects on your mental health as well as your physical health. There are plenty of apps that you can use to track what you eat which will tell you what nutrients you are low on and what you are doing well on. 

Exercise on a regular basis 

Exercise is important for many aspects of your life. It helps with your overall fitness, helps reduce the chances of you getting ill, increases the strength of your heart and looks after your mental health. Exercising allows you to switch off from your everyday stresses and live in the moment. There are many different types of exercises that you can do depending on your interest. Why not take up running or swimming? If you enjoy sports, you could join your local football team or start playing some tennis whilst the weather is getting nicer. There are plenty of exercises you can do without leaving the comfort of your own home.  If you have any friends who enjoy sports, why not convince them to join you and start taking part in a new sport together. 

Final thoughts

What methods do you use to help with your mental health? Are there any methods that you think should be included in the list above? What point from the list above did you find most useful? Let us know in the comment box below. 

signature mental health
Mental Health, Tools for managing anxiety, wellness

How Your Mental Health And Physical Health Go Hand In Hand

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Your mental health and your physical health affect each other. How you think in your mind profoundly affects how your body feels and vice versa, and having the two work in harmony is one of the best ways to stay healthy in your life. But that, of course, is easier said than done. However, we’re here to help you achieve this kind of balance. Here’s a little more information about just how interconnected your mind and body really are. 


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Eating Well Gives Your Brain What it Needs

Eating ‘right’ is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy/stable thinking pattern. When you give your brain just the right nutrients it needs to work with, the way you feel tends to bounce back a lot better. You don’t fall into one mood after another, which is what can happen when you eat lots of junk and forget to include a few veggies here and there! 

Of course, snack foods can make us feel good – chocolate most specifically. But when it comes to maintaining long-term emotional wellbeing, you can’t subsist off of sweets alone. You need to have a substantial diet, a packed plate that fills you up, and only then can you top it off with a yummy dessert! 

physical health

Being Immune Safe Promotes Positivity 

If you’re able to fight off colds and other illnesses, you’re going to feel a lot stronger in both your mind and body. And that’s something you should never underestimate. Being able to get vaccinations done, for example, is a great way to exercise your own control over your health and take back just a bit of power from the outside world. 

So if you’re eligible for it, be sure to get free vaccines done whenever the time calls for it. But even if you’re not, you can still book an appointment at places like CBD medical and pay a small fee to protect yourself. After all, giving your body exactly what it needs to fight off bugs is one of the best ways to put your mind at rest, especially when the seasons change and everyone around you is getting sick. 

Getting Enough Sleep Feeds Mental Health Stability

And finally, if you’re getting enough sleep, you’re going to reinforce everything we’ve said above. Being able to sleep off long and hard days, and wake up feeling refreshed and like you’re ready to face whatever the world throws at you, is one of the best feelings in the world. 

But you’ll only experience it if you’re heading to bed early and getting a good 8 hours! Make sure your sleep hygiene is up to scratch, try to disconnect from the outside world through your phone, and let your mind and body let go of all the day’s little mistakes, moods, and embarrassments. 

Your mental health needs a little physical stability. Keep these points in mind the next time you feel down. 

physical health
Mental Health, Tools for managing anxiety

Why It Is Important to Open Up and Talk About Mental Health 

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open up
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Talking about mental health not only will help you with your own mental health struggles, but it also shows other people they are not alone. It can be extremely isolating when you are struggling with your mental health, especially with a stigma attached to them. According to Mind, 1 in 4 people will struggle with their mental health. There has never been a more important time to open up about mental health and have more conversations within your community. 

To get started, it is important to learn more about mental health. This awareness will help you understand your own struggles better, and how to have relevant conversations. Conversations are important to show people they are not alone and provide them with hope. You can research online, speak to a specialist, or you can have a look at participating in adult MHFA courses. You can talk about mental health in your local community, within businesses, or at online conferences. You can also have conversations with friends and family. Every conversation will have a positive impact.

If you are on the fence about having a conversation about mental health, here are some of the reasons why it is important. 

#1 Reduce the stigma

Unfortunately, mental health has a negative stigma attached to it. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as personal beliefs, as well as fear and a general lack of understanding. Mental health has been represented in a variety of ways that is not very accurate, which has misled the societal beliefs around certain conditions, especially for conditions that leave a person to act what is deemed outside the norm. The more people who are vulnerable, and open up about mental health, the more it can be destigmatised and accepted within society. This will make people feel a lot more comfortable.

#2 Help others feel less alone

If you are struggling with a mental health problem, it can be extremely isolating. You may feel the need to isolate yourself, or perhaps you no longer have the energy to be around your friends. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, or exacerbate any existing conditions. When you have more conversations about mental health, you can show them that they are not alone, and support them in building confidence to live their life.

open up

#3 More people would feel comfortable seeking help

One of the hardest things to do when you are struggling with your mental health is to seek support. This can often be because of the condition itself, or the stigma attached to it. When there are more conversations and vulnerability within society, it provides people who feel hopeless and alone, with some hope that change for them is possible. It can also help them understand their conditions better, and learn about what kind of support is available for them. It will be extremely helpful in helping people build confidence to ask for help. 

Having a conversation about mental health may be hard at first as it requires you to be vulnerable. However, if you have confidence in yourself, these conversations can be extremely valuable and help many people in society who are struggling. 

open up
Mental Health

How to Overcome Your Hoarding Habit

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hoarding
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A hoarder is someone who saves items that they don’t need, even if they are not useful to them or their family around the home. Hoarders often feel a sense of relief when they acquire new items and have difficulty throwing anything away. They may also experience anxiety when they think about discarding their possessions. But what does it take to overcome this?

Why is the Hoarding Habit so Common?

Hoarding is a mental disorder that is characterised by the compulsive accumulation of items, regardless of their value. This can be as simple as a few clothes or as complex as an entire house full of junk. There are many reasons why people hoard and it usually stems from anxiety, depression, or trauma.

The hoarding habit is so common because it can be difficult to get rid of things and it’s often hard for people who hoard to let go. It may also stem from the need to feel in control and the fear that if someone throws out something important, they will regret it later on.

hoarding

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – The Root of the Hoarding Problem

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that causes the sufferer to have uncontrollable thoughts and do obsessive and compulsive behaviours. The root of the hoarding problem is the obsessive need for control. Hoarders believe that if they keep everything, they will be able to prevent or reduce their anxiety.

Hoarding disorder is a type of OCD where people are unable to discard items from their homes or workplaces, even when they have no use for them. They may feel an intense sense of responsibility for these possessions, which can cause them to experience extreme distress at the idea of getting rid of anything. Hoarding disorder can also lead to health problems due to living conditions such as mould growth, pest infestations and excessive dust.

What Is a Minimalist Lifestyle? Benefits of Living More Simply

The Minimalist Lifestyle is a lifestyle that focuses on living with less. It is the idea of living with fewer possessions, to reduce stress, clutter, and expense. A minimalist lifestyle can be beneficial in many ways. It will lead to a more organized and less cluttered environment. This can help relieve stress and make it easier to find things you need when you need them.

How to Clean Up as a Beginner Minimalist

Being a beginner minimalist can be very difficult. The reason for this is that it can be hard to know where to start and what to do. The first way is by getting rid of things you no longer need. And in the case of hoarding, doing a complete clean-out with someone like Clear It Out can help. It can be something that may need to be done over time. However, getting a clearance team in to remove physical items after the mental work is done can work well.

Tips on Decluttering Your Home and Getting Rid of Clutter Forever

Decluttering your home is a long process, but it can be done in stages. It’s important to find a way that works for you and your family. Our homes are full of things that we use on a daily basis, and some things that we don’t use at all. But the problem is that our homes are also full of things we don’t need. So how do you declutter your home?

Work with what you have and don’t buy anything new for the time being

Sort through everything and decide what needs to stay or go

Declutter one room at a time

Mental Health

5 Tips to Help You Get Through Grief

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Grief
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One of the hardest things any of us will ever have to go through in life is losing a loved one but it is an experience we will all have. Grief is a tough process to go through. Some of the tips that can help you through this difficult time in life.

When you lose a loved one and you are already struggling with poor mental health, it can feel like it is an impossible thing to get through, but there are several things you can do to help you through your grief as well as possible.

1. Don’t do it alone

It can be tempting to retreat into yourself when you have experienced a deep loss, but right now you need support. Whether you have a friend come along with your to speak to the funeral director or you have a family member come over and keep you company in those early days, opening up to people and letting them help you will make all the difference to your journey through grief.

2. Make time for self-care

Grief can be pretty exhausting. Not only do you have to make various arrangements but you will undoubtedly be spending a lot of time crying, trying to come to terms with what has happened, being unable to sleep, etc. That is why it is more important than ever that you look after yourself. From taking some time out. To read a good book. Maybe have a hot bath that will help you relax, and self-care you can do when you are grieving will help to support you through said grief.

3. Know that it will feel better

It might not feel like it right now, but the raw grief you are feeling will start to heal in time. You will never forget the people you have lost, and you will still experience periods of sadness from time to time, but it will get easier to hold your grief and live with it. Remind yourself of this fact when things are feeling impossible.

4. Think about the good times

Remembering all of the good times you had with the person you have lost, what kind of person they were and how much fun they had in their life, is a good way to get things back on a positive note when you are overwhelmed with grief. Celebrate their life and how it enriched yours and you will immediately start to feel better.

5. Talk to a therapist

If you are really struggling with your grief, then it could be useful to talk to a therapist or grief counsellor who will be able to help you explore your feelings and find better ways of managing them so that you can live your life without being overwhelmed by your feelings. Good therapists are non-judgemental and they will work with you at a pace you can handle, so there is nothing to be scared about. 

As you can see, although grief is never an easy thing to go through, there are a number of things that will help you to find the support and strength you need to get through it.

Grief
Mental Health, Tools for managing anxiety

Using Rugby To Improve Your Mental Health

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rugby
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In the past, public health officials estimated that around one in four people in this country would develop a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Today, though, that figure is likely closer to one in three, or one in two. 

Mental health has become a central pillar of the culture. It is so widespread and pervasive that every level of society discusses it, from schools to companies to central government. 

Driving the current crisis is a change in our consciousness, a result of profound alterations in how we live our daily lives. We’re more connected and wealthier than ever. And yet, mental health continues to be an issue. 

Because of this, many people are looking for out-of-the-box solutions to mental health issues. And one idea is to get more people into rugby, a sport that used to be the preserve of public schools, grammar schools, and midland towns. 

rugby

Rugby For Mood

Rugby has the potential to dramatically improve a person’s mood, just because it gets them moving more. However, that’s not exactly breaking news. Virtually any form of physical activity has the potential to dramatically change how you feel, at least temporarily. 

The real benefits of rugby appear to be the team and cultural aspects. Rugby isn’t like other sports. Despite the pitch itself being a battlefield, it attracts a refined type of person. People involved in the sport regularly create great communities which then lift up everyone else around them. 

For many, rugby is a route through tough times. Even if there is chaos elsewhere in their lives, the sport is an anchor point, with matches helping to add structure to the week. 

rugby
Unsplash – CC0 License

It’s also a valuable non-work activity. It reminds people that there is more to do in life other than earn a dime. 

These days, you can get an NRL jersey designed online. This way, you can almost make it a part of your identity. People are creating their own kits, and kits for their teams, so that they feel more like a community. New services are bringing people together like never before. 

Rugby Clubs

Players spend around 80 minutes on the pitching, battling it out with each other. But that’s not really where the healing gets done. Instead, it occurs in the clubhouse after the match and during the meal. Everyone, no matter what team they are on, sits down together and has great conversations. There’s also a shared sense of purpose. The team has to work together to get to the top of the league, and then the next one, and so on. 

Even if readers of this blog aren’t particularly interested in playing rugby, many of us know men with mental health issues who would be. Rather than talk about mental health problems, it might be helpful for some people to just live differently and overcome them that way. That’s what rugby is essentially offering. It’s a chance for husbands or boyfriends to address their mental health issues in a non-judgemental and friendly context. 

rugby
Lifestyle, Parenting tips, self-care, Tools for managing anxiety

Board Games I Loved Playing As a Child

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Does anyone remember the iconic board games you used to play as a child? They even made those travel-size ones so your parents could entertain you on the aeroplane. Maybe as an adult, you have a life-sized chess set ( I really want one of those regal-looking chess tables, except I don’t know how to play!). Someone, please tell me in the comments, that they have battleships. Or operation? 

In this post, I am going to delve into why we loved playing these games so much as children. And also why we remember them so fondly. 

playing as a child

The benefits of playing board games 

Teaches you patience

For anyone who ever participated in a family game of monopoly, you will appreciate the level of patience required. This game can cause ongoing family disputes. Let me know in the comments below whether this game has ever caused you a family rift.

Playing a game of this nature requires small moves in order to lead to a bigger goal. Like goal setting as an adult. With the end result meeting your goal. Bring the winner, or make progress. Depending on how you look at life. Or how competitive you are.

You experience winning and losing 

We are in the process of teaching my little one, life isn’t always about winning. It’s a hard lesson to learn, even for an adult. 

Playing board games will teach her about being both the winner and the loser. Hopefully how adults process these emotions, and how to act accordingly when each one of these eventualities happens. 

Teaching a person that it isn’t always about winning, but it is about making progress and participating, is one of the best lessons to learn.

They help you meet new people

In recent years, the rise of board game cafes and other social spaces offering board games makes me happy. Hopefully, holiday lets might bring them back soon, now we are in a somewhat post-pandemic phase. I used to love checking into our holiday cottage and searching for the board games cupboard. 

Does anyone remember the World Of Warcraft centres? You only have to take a look at Twitch or YouTube to realise the gaming industry is huge. However, I am still a fan of the old iconic games, and whenever we show my little one them, she is too.

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Playing board games enhances creativity and self-confidence

I am a huge fan of any activity which increases creativity and self-confidence. Board games can be particularly beneficial for quiet individuals and connecting with young children, as a way to focus their minds and allow conversation. As an introvert myself, I love being part of something but also have a chance to sit back and take in what all the other players are doing.

Board games increase brain function

It is well known that engaging in play assists in practising essential cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, decision making, and higher-level strategic thinking. These are all measures my little one’s nursery and the school put in place for her to attain. And also essential skills we want to equip her with, as parents.

Encourages laughter

The twists and turns in any board game, or forgetting to take your turn in monopoly, can create laughter throughout the participants. And we all love an activity which creates laughter. 

You can play board games anywhere at any time

There are no restrictions on your time when playing board games. You can practice by yourself, and lose yourself in learning how to master the game. Or you can spend hours trying to beat your opponents. I personally love any activity which allows you to lose time and immerse yourself in the experience. The world can be a scary place and escaping into a game can help your mental well-being.

In the world of tech, it’s also easy to play on your computer or phone. Maybe bring back some of those fond memories, play on a tablet with your child or partner and reap the benefits listed above. 

Board games promote family time

Family time is something I am a huge advocate of. I’ve recently changed my circumstances to enable more time with my little one. And as a family, we try and do a few creative activities each day. Even when we have tablet time, we try to make this as interactive as possible and purposefully pick programmes and apps which allow for learning and development. 

Help children understand how adults think 

Toddlers love to mimic the world around them and it’s how they learn. What better lesson than sitting down and witnessing the critical, analytical thinking involved in a board game? It’s a valuable lesson we must teach our children. 

My fond memories from childhood

I still remember the joy and anticipation I felt each time I played operation at my grandma’s house. Such a simple game brought hours of fun. It allowed my grandma to join in, but probably also sit comfortably (something anyone caring for children needs to be able to do – as a must. As a parent, I realise that now).

Battleships was another one of my favourite games and I would play with my dad and my grandad. When remembering these moments, they are etched in my mind so vividly. And I remember the pure joy attached to the moment.  

Final thoughts 

What are your fond memories from childhood?

Tell me your favourite board game. And whether you play these online or with the physical item? Do you love to do both?

I would love to hear from you in the comments below. 

playing as a child

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