Parenting tips

Parenting tips

Book Corner, Christmas, Gift Guides, Gifting, Toddlers, wellness

Look No Further Than Elfland UK for Your Christmas Eve Box

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I can’t be alone in wanting to get the perfect Christmas Eve Box for my toddler. How many other parents out there end up with the same, generic gifts from discount stores?

These treats are some of the highest quality, cute gifts I’ve seen and I just had to share them with you today!

Christmas Eve Box
Elfland Range

Quick note: AFF-GIFTED Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links. If you go through an affiliate link to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be helpful for other people.

DISCOUNT CODE – SAMXMAS – FOR A WHOPPING 20% OFF

DONT FORGET – In some of the boxes, there is the chance to find magical tickets to win wellness products or the ultimate prize – a family trip to Lapland.

Let’s dive into the list of items to make a magical Christmas Eve Box

Elfland Sleepy Bedtime Giftset

Christmas Eve Box
Elfland Sleepy Bedtime Giftset

What’s included in the box?

1 x Box of 5 Sachets of Elf Eyes Self-Heating Eye Mask (worth £16.50)
1 x Magic Wish Wand (worth £5.95) 
1 x The Lost Wish Book (worth £9.95)
1 x Happiness Spells and Wish Wand Instructions
1 x Sleepy Elf Meditation (worth £3.95)
1 x Lost Wish Colouring Page

What other goodies are on offer, for my Christmas Eve Box?

‘Limited Edition’ Christmas Eve Treat Box

Christmas Eve Box
Limited Edition Christmas Eve Treat Box

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

1 x Box of 5 Sachets of Elf Eyes Self-Heating Eye Masks (worth £16.50)
1 x Magic Wish Wand (worth £5.95)
1 x The Lost Wish Book (worth £9.95)
1 x Sleepy Elf Pillow Spray (worth £8.50)
1 x Sleepy Elf Pulse Point Oil (worth £8.50)
1 x Lost Wish Colouring Page
1 x Sleepy Elf Meditation (worth £3.95)
1 x Happiness Spells and Wish Wand Instructions 
2 x Camellias Tea House Very Berry Tea (worth £0.88)

Elfland Lost Wish Book & Character Explanations

This book is perfect for your Christmas Eve Box. I have let my little one start reading it now, in the build-up to Christmas.

Christmas Eve Box
Elfland Range

Discover The Lost Wish by Clare Anderson and Emily Jacobs, illustrated by Emma Kurran, where imagination is limitless, and pure adventure awaits. It’s a tale guaranteed to excite and inspire young readers everywhere. 

Set off on a remarkable journey through a mystical land! Join Siena, a bright and brave little girl, who one stormy night, steps through a magical archway and into Elfland; a thrilling world of friendly elves, dangerous dragons, flying pixies and talking rats! Discover what adventure awaits her.

Christmas Eve Box
The Lost Wish

Buddy Soft Toy from The Lost Wish

I will be purchasing this today, as an addition to my little one’s Christmas Eve Box. And to tie in with the theme of the book.

Christmas Eve Box
Buddy Soft Toy

Meet Buddy, Siena’s faithful and loyal companion from The Lost Wish, now available as a cute and cuddly plush toy.

This super soft and squishy plush toy is made for hugs and playtimes. Take Buddy everywhere with you as you adventure together day and night. 

Where you go, Buddy goes! Just like in the book, The Lost Wish, let Buddy be your most loyal friend and protector, someone who you can enjoy life’s adventures with. Just squeeze him tight, and Buddy will always be by your side, on hand to protect you no matter what.

The Lost Wish Gift Box

Christmas Eve Box
The Lost Wish Gift Box

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

2 x Elf Eyes Self-Heating Eye Masks (worth £7.90)
1 x The Lost Wish Children’s Book (worth £9.95)
1 x Magic Wish Wand (worth £5.95)
1 x Sleepy Elf Relaxing Pillow Spray (worth £8.50)
1 x Lost Wish Colouring Page
1 x Sleepy Elf Meditation (worth £3.95)
1 x Happiness Spells and Wish Wand Instructions
2 x Camellias Tea House Very Berry Tea (worth £0.88)

In every box, there is the chance to find magical tickets to win wellness products or the ultimate prize – a family trip to Lapland.

Elfland Wish Wand

I am so in love with this product because it’s really special and a keepsake. These items can be used for every Christmas from now on and I can’t wait for my little one to open this item in her Christmas Eve Box.

Christmas Eve Box
Elfland Wish Wand

Suitable for age 5+ the Elfland Wish Wand is the perfect gift for all wannabe wizards and little elves, pixies, fairies, or just anyone who believes in the power of the imagination to bring dreams and magic to life.

Elfland Elf Eye Masks Box

Christmas Eve Box
Self-Heating Eye Masks Box

Elf Eyes have been created for children but are suitable for the whole family. Each mask is unscented. 

Elf Eyes Self-Heating Eye Masks are Especially Good For: 

  • Creating a magical experience for children as the eye masks heat up when placed over the eyes  
  • Helping to calm and relax overactive minds when excitement is high 
  • Christmas Eve boxes and stocking fillers 
  • Helping the whole family relax and sleep the night before Santa comes! 

How to use your Sensory Retreats Elf Eyes Self-Heating Eye Mask 

  • Find a quiet cosy place to rest and recline 
  • Open the pouch and unfold your Elf Eyes Eye Mask 
  • Gently place the mask over your eyes and fit the loops comfortably around your ears 
  • Within a couple of minutes, you’ll begin to feel a gentle sensation as the Elf Eyes warms up 
  • Simply allow yourself to drift off as you enjoy approximately 25 minutes of deeply relaxing and soothing warmth 
  • If using on children (aged 5+), you may need to secure it with an extra knot to tighten the loops – adult supervision is advised while children wear the mask 

Other wellness products for your little ones, to add to your Christmas Eve Box

There are so many other products in the Elfland range. Including Sleepy Elf Relaxing Pulse Point Oil – 10ml and Sleepy Elf Relaxing Pillow Spray – 30ml

You can check out the whole range here.

Christmas Eve Box

Recent posts on the blog

Feel free to check out some of my recent posts on the blog.

Family, Parenting Resources, Parenting tips

10 Tips for Raising Confident Kids

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confident kids
Via Unsplash

When it comes to raising confident kids, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every child is different, and what works for one might not work for another. That said, there are a few general tips that can help any parent raise a confident child. This blog post will discuss the most important tips for doing just that!

1) Encourage Independence:

Parents should strive to provide their children with opportunities to make decisions and do things independently. This will help them become more confident in their own abilities, as well as gain a better understanding of how the world works.

2) Celebrate Accomplishments:

It’s important for parents to celebrate their children’s successes, no matter how small. Doing so helps kids understand that accomplishments are something to be proud of, which will give them confidence when it comes time to tackle harder tasks in the future.

3) Praise Effort Over Results:

Most parents praise their kids when they get good grades or win a race. However, it is just as important – if not more so – to praise the effort and hard work that went into achieving those results. Doing this will help kids understand that there is value in trying, regardless of the outcome.

confident kids

4) Encourage Healthy Risk-Taking:

Parents should foster an environment where their children feel comfortable taking risks and attempting new things. This could be anything from trying a new sport or musical instrument or even just speaking up in class. Taking healthy risks can help a child build confidence as they learn to trust their own judgement.

5) Model Confidence:

Children watch and learn from their parents more than they realize, so it’s important for parents to model confident behaviour. If you want your kids to be self-assured, make sure you are too. Show them how to be confident in uncomfortable situations, and don’t forget to praise yourself for your successes!

6) Have Realistic Expectations:

Parents should strive to set realistic expectations for their kids. This means being realistic about the amount of time it takes for a child to learn something or accomplish a goal, as well as not expecting children to achieve perfect results all the time. Doing this can help kids understand that mistakes are normal and nothing to be ashamed of.

7) Be Positive:

It’s important for parents to remain positive while raising their kids. Negative reinforcement can have an adverse effect on a child’s confidence, so always try to focus on the positives when providing feedback.

8) Give Opportunities to Develop Skills:

Providing kids with opportunities to develop their skills and learn new things is key when it comes to building confidence. This could be anything from signing them up for a sports team or art class, swim lessons, or simply giving them age-appropriate chores around the house.

9) Normalize failure:

Every child will face failure at some point in life, so it’s important for parents to normalize this experience. Remind your children that mistakes are an opportunity to learn and grow, not something they should be ashamed of. This will help them become more resilient and confident in the face of adversity.

10) Gentle parenting:

Gentle parenting is important for helping kids build confidence. This means responding to their feelings with empathy and understanding, using positive reinforcement, avoiding power struggles, and being mindful of their individual needs.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to raising confident kids, these tips can help parents provide their children with the tools they need to become more self-assured. With proper guidance and support, children can learn to trust in themselves and their abilities, which will set them up for success in life.

confident kids
Mummy life, self-care, The Body Shop

My Favourite Self-Care Products From The Body Shop

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AFF – products gifted in exchange for a review

20% off discount code MCA20 until the end of the year (Including Advent Calendars)

If you follow my blog, you will know I love The Body Shop. Since being a teenager and buying animal-shaped soaps on my trips to the nearest town centre with friends. I’ve loved the scents and the ethos behind the company. 

In recent years, I now require high-quality products. It’s all about taking care of my skin and having a little self-care and indulgence in my life. As a busy mum, lack of sleep sometimes means bad skin, dark circles and all the other wonderful downsides of motherhood. A rescue plan to make me look and feel better is required.

The Body Shop

I was overjoyed when The Body Shop sent me a package full of their best sellers to review

Let’s dive in

Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask 

I’ve been looking for a product to even my skin tone and I am so impressed with the results after using this scrub. It’s my go-to product now.  And I’ve already ordered more. As a busy mum, having an even skin tone and refreshed look means less maintenance. Given that I quickly rub concealer on my face, in the car before the nursery drop. Anything that avoids this extra task, I will pay good money for. 

Over the summer, it is nicer to have no make-up on your face. These days it just sweats off me anyway. This charcoal mask is a weekly treat I can use to enable me to have a fresh face for summer outings.

Almond Milk Body Butter

I must admit, I love the fruity body butter from The Body Shop. But they do tend to be a little thicker in consistency. This one is my new favourite. Simply because it’s so light on your skin and totally refreshing for summer. I can imagine taking it on holiday abroad with me and feeling extra moisturised after a day in the sun.

Hemp Hand Protector

We’ve all heard of this one. I would say it’s one of the most iconic Body Shop products. I’ve wanted to try it for a while and my hubby is in need of some because he works outside in all weather conditions.

The texture is lovely and it smells amazing. You can literally feel it immediately helping your skin. And I love that feeling.

Ginger Anti-dandruff Shampoo

This isn’t a product I would normally choose. I have dry, frizzy and unmanageable hair. However, the smell and the texture are so refreshing. And I actually really love using it now. It makes me feel cleaner than using my previous shampoo. Unlike other shampoos, you use a very tiny amount, which means it goes further than other products I’ve used in the past.

Discount code

If you would like to purchase any of these items, I have a discount code for you to use…

20% off discount code MCA20 until the end of the year (Including Advent Calendars)

(excludes the sale, gifts & gift cards)

OTHER BODY SHOP POSTS…

Check out my recent blog posts about The Body Shop products & their exclusive Advent Calendar launch

The Body Shop
Family, Parenting tips, Toddlers

Tips to Make Your Family Holiday Adventure Unforgettable

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A family holiday is an ideal experience that allows you to get away together, and build some amazing memories. There are so many great ways to have an exciting family holiday, and this is one of the most important steps you can take when your children are growing up and you’re looking to spend more time with them. Getting the most out of this process is really important, and there is a lot to consider here.

Trying to plan out the best possible family holiday is something that you need to make the most of as much as you can. There are loads of great options that you need to think about when you are trying to improve your family holiday, and this is something that will make a big difference to your enjoyment. Here are some of the best things you can do to make sure your family holiday is unforgettable. 

Family Holiday
Picture

Plan things, but not too much…

Planning a family holiday is always important because this is a process that involves a lot more work and effort than if you’re going away on your own. So you do need to do a degree of planning, and make sure you understand what you’re going to be doing as a family and where you’re going to be staying, etc. But, it is also important to try to make sure that you aren’t over-planning things to the point where it ceases to become an enjoyable experience. You need to try to get that happy medium between planning effectively and making sure there is a bit of spontaneity involved as well.

Family Holiday

Reduce stress

There are a lot of things that you can do when you are trying to have the best possible family holiday experience. And one of the best things to focus on is doing as much as possible to help reduce stress. There are a lot of ways in which you can do this, and considering things like renting a car instead of driving can help with this. You should check out Burswood Car Rentals if you’re staying for a while, as this gives you a great way of getting around and you don’t have to take your own car with you. Another great way to reduce stress is to plan out your packing well in advance so that you don’t forget things, and you can be sure that you do as much as possible to get this right.

Document the trip

There are a lot of things that you need to think about when it comes to trying to improve your family holiday, and one of the key ways of being able to do this is to make sure you document the trip. Taking photos and videos of your adventures whilst you’re away as a family is one of the best ways to ensure that you build amazing memories, and have something tangible to look back on together as a family. 

These are just a few of the critical things that you can do that will help you to have an enjoyable and unforgettable holiday experience as a family. The more you can do to make the most of this, the better it will be, and the more fun and enjoy your trip will end up being.

Family Holiday
Lifestyle, Parenting Resources, Parenting tips

5 Ways to Make Friends as a Single Parent

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When you have kids, your social life takes a back seat. There are simply not many opportunities to meet potential new friends who are also parents. But being a single parent doesn’t mean you can’t make friends. As a single parent, it’s even more important to have support and company because the responsibilities of taking care of your kid alone can be pretty challenging at times. That being said, as a single parent, you probably don’t have much time to go out and meet people regularly. You might be worried about how to meet people as a single parent – especially if you don’t know many other single parents in your area already. However, this is precisely why I am writing this blog post for you!

single parent

Here are 5 tips on how you can meet new people as a single parent:

Join clubs for children or families

There are lots of clubs and meet-ups for parents in all areas. Look for clubs in your area that are related to the interests of your child or family (e.g. a playgroup, a parent-teacher association, a school club, a chess club for children, a reading group for parents and kids, a yoga class for parents and kids, a sports club where your kid can participate, etc.). You can also search online for clubs in your area that are open to all people, and not just families. This will give you a chance to meet lots of parents who have interests similar to yours. You can also join clubs for single parents. Starting a club of your own is also an exciting option if you can find like-minded people.

Join online forums for parents

There are also forums for parents. Some are more general, while others are more specific to a particular area of interest. It’s a good idea to do some research and find out which online forums for parents might be related to your interests. There are many places you can find like-minded parents or other single parents who can offer support, such as singleparents. org, Gingerbread, or other sites such as Mumsnet.

Try internet dating

If you’ve been thinking about trying online dating, this is the perfect time! Meeting new people through online dating can be significant and help you develop new interests and hobbies. You can also meet other single parents through online dating. If you’re worried about how to meet people as a single parent, dating websites can be an excellent way to get started. In the first instance, you only need to meet people if you’re ready to, as you can communicate via the app. While there are many horror stories about online dating and people being scammed, there are also success stories; you need to be careful and always trust your instincts when talking to new people or sharing real-life details of who you are and where you live.

Be active in your local community.

Another good idea on how to meet people as a single parent is to be active in your local community. This can be an excellent opportunity to meet people with your interests. If you have time, consider volunteering for an organisation in your community that interests you. This can be a great way to meet like-minded people, and it can also be a great way to make your child proud.

From helping out at local churches, homeless initiatives or community centres and organising local events or meet-ups, you can find people to talk to, a new friendship group and even find something you enjoy doing that benefits your mental health, your family life and your social life too.

Take up a new hobby

Last but not least, you should also take up a new hobby. Hobbies are a great way to meet people. Depending on the hobby you choose, you might meet other single parents this way, or you might meet people who don’t have children. Regardless, hobbies are a fun way to make new friends. Think about what you really want to learn and then find local classes or clubs that engage in this. It could be as simple as joining a gym to get fit and healthy, learning a language or taking evening classes online to help forward your career or boost your credentials.

Conclusion

Being a single parent can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean you can never meet new people again. You can make friends as a single parent; it just takes a little effort. The above 5 ways to meet people as a single parent should help you get started.

single parent
Mental Health, Money, Parenting tips

How To Make Amazing Cheap Meals Using Leftovers

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Do you currently have forgotten leftovers at the back of the fridge? If the answer is yes, this post is for you! I am going to show you exactly how to make cheap meals, using your leftovers.

I’ve been consciously using leftovers over the last few weeks and creating another meal with them. This is especially helpful when you have a fussy toddler, who also wants food on demand. How amazing is it that previously cooked food could be stored and then literally be produced on demand? With the assistance of a microwave of course.

Cheap Meals

The benefits

We all know money is tight for most households at the moment and people also don’t have a lot of free time.

Having access to quick, easy and cheap food to feed the family can be beneficial.

Let’s take a look at the food waste statistics for the UK

Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of good food is wasted by the UK food industry every year. At the same time, millions of people are struggling to afford to eat. Our work addresses these two issues by redistributing food industry surplus, which would otherwise go to waste, to the people who need it most. Find facts and figures on food waste and hunger in the UK below.

FareShare.org.uk
Cheap Meals
Friends of the earth

How reducing food waste helps our family

I already meal plan and count the cost at the supermarket. I also ditch any items we don’t need that week and add them to next week’s shopping list. Being strict with the food shop has helped us massively. It also allows me to identify any potential for food waste before we make purchases that week. If an ingredient isn’t needed for any of the meals I have planned, I simply don’t buy it.

Using leftovers for the next meal, or lunch the next day helps us make use of leftovers. And make cheap meals.

Some of the examples of meals we use more than once

Sunday night chicken dinner

I use the chicken for several purposes in the days following this meal. Including, my lunch the next day (chicken sandwich or chicken pasta), and then it’s added to a summer stew the following night. All slow cooked, which makes it simple for me.

This week, I even saved the chicken juice and vegetable water and added this to my slow cooker recipes throughout the week. Which adds goodness and also plenty of flavours.

Lasagne

When you make lasagne in a large dish, unless you are having all the family around, there are likely to be leftovers. I box up portions for the next day and have this for lunch when I work from home. I also then freeze any surplus.

Pies or anything with pastry

I sometimes make my own cornish pasties. these days it is so easy to buy roll-out pastry and add whatever flavour you want to. These can be used as snacks throughout the week, or as a treat for lunch. In the summer, you might want to add some salad. Yum, Yum.

Meal planning

Meal planning in general, allows you to plan ahead. You are reducing your food bill and making it easier to cook during the day. We make use of our slow cooker most days. As a busy mum, I need food to be cooking in the background and not have to worry about it.

Because I’ve changed my family meal plan to incorporate snacks and leftovers, I have also created one for you all to download and use.

Cheap Meals
Monthly-Meal-Planner-Calendar-1Download

Need some assistance with meal prep and meal planning?

Degusta Box

Maybe with all the money you’ve saved in meal planning, you want some treats.

  • Enjoy 10 to 15 products, many are completely new to the market!
  • Receive your Degusta Box every month filled with goodies.
  • All for a cheaper price than you would pay in the shops!

New customers can get their first box for only £7.99 (instead of £12.99) and delivery is free!

CODE: DEGUSTA5

meal plan

Final thoughts

Do you meal plan?

How about making use of leftovers?

Share your recipes with me below – I would love to hear from you.

signature
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

BEFORE YOU GO

Sign up for my monthly newsletter, to gain access to exclusive offers & updates.

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!

Enter the giveaway to win an amazing self-care gift

Pin it for later

self-care purchases
Family, Parenting tips, Relationships

3 Ways To Help Our Children Cope With Moving Out Of Parents’ House

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Moving Out Of Parents' House
Source – CC0 Licence

A major moment in our lives like a divorce can cause massive upheaval for everyone. When we are moving home, it’s safe to say that it can be a very stressful process. When you’re moving with family members, it’s important to remember that this can have an impact on your children as well. What do you need to do so everybody can have a smooth move? To lessen the impact when children move out of their parents’ house.

Ask for Help

As well as finding a reliable removalist that can cater to your needs you’ve got to think about the entire moving process. The removalists will help you on moving day, but it’s your responsibility to tie up loose ends. If you are trying to help your children come to terms with having to move at the same time, this can be a very difficult and overwhelming process for you. But you may want to get your children involved as this can help them and you. For example, if you ask them to help pack by putting some of their toys in a box or help you with the journey planning, it’s going to help demystify the process for them but it also gives you a little bit of a helping hand.

Moving Out Of Parents' House

Keep a Positive Frame of Mind (for You and the Kids)

You may feel stressed throughout the entire process, this means that the negativity can easily rub off on your children. If your children are upset and are trying to guilt you into not packing so there’s an off chance you may stay, the fact is that you’ve got to keep that positive frame of mind even, if that’s not how you feel right now. Comparing your new home with your old one is not going to help, and you have to remember that your children will push your buttons, so don’t pander to them.

Maintain your composure during the process of moving out of the parent’s house.

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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!

Keep the Family Rituals Intact

To keep the moving process as swift and effective as possible, the old family routines will make a big difference. If you have younger children, you need to make sure that they stick to the same bedtime routines, meal times, and schedules, because this will feel less like a major shock to the system. Everybody is going to feel a sense of restlessness when they go to a new place, so the best thing you can do is to try and mirror your old life as closely as possible. You can set up their rooms the same as in your old home, which can help for younger children if you anticipate any changes in their sleeping patterns which, for most children, is par for the course. 

Of course, you must remember that you are going through a lot! Trying to keep your children happy throughout the moving process can be very tiring. Children will get frustrated because of the changes in their lives, but you also need to look after yourself and remember that if you are looking for a smooth move, you’ve got to make sure your mindset is in the right place as well.

Out Of Parents' House
Family, Parenting tips, Relationships

Three Methods for Protecting Children During a Divorce

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Decisions and conversations about divorce can be difficult. Besides deciding on custody and visitation, parents must also consider the impact of divorce on their children. As soon as you file for divorce, start taking precautions to keep your children safe. Dealing with the dissolution of a marriage is a trying experience for anyone. Nevertheless, if you want to keep your children safe from the effects of your divorce, you must put aside your own feelings and focus on what’s best for them.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/family-making-breakfast-in-the-kitchen-4259140/

Discuss Your Divorce with Your Children

Communication is essential in any relationship, but it is especially important during a divorce. There will be many difficult discussions between you and your spouse, but you must also communicate openly and honestly with your children. As a parent, you don’t want to keep your children in the dark about what’s going on. They must understand that, despite the fact that their lives will be altered as a result of the divorce, you and their other parents remain committed to their well-being. There are a variety of approaches you can take when trying to have a conversation with your children. You can get together regularly to talk about how divorce affects everyone.

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Sign up for my freebie library. With freebies added to help organise your life and take away some stress!

Make sure that the agreement you reach regarding your divorce takes into account child support

If you can, make sure that the amount and schedule of child support are written into the terms of your divorce. It is to everyone’s advantage if you and your partner can figure this out on your own. A judge will decide what is and isn’t fair if this doesn’t happen. If you’re going through a divorce, it’s important to think about your child’s current standard of living. You don’t want your split to have an impact on them. A family solicitor is your best bet when it comes to deciding how much child support you should pay. They will inform you about the penalty for hiding assets in divorce as well as anything you’re obligated to do as part of the divorce settlement. Ensure that the final divorce agreement includes the amount of child support and that it is signed and dated by both parties.

Make sure your kids aren’t exposed to any conflict or fighting.

You have the power to shield your children from witnessing your marital strife. You and your spouse should communicate at a level appropriate for a young child. In addition, devise a strategy for dealing with times when your emotions are running high. You could also try to persuade your ex to follow in your footsteps. De-escalating arguments can be as simple as going for a walk or stopping at a nearby coffee shop; it can also be as simple as having a designated space in your home where you can go to avoid conflict. Don’t bring your children into the fray when you’re having a heated argument. Instead of talking about your feelings for your spouse in front of them, it’s best if you avoid doing so.

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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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

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