Gifting, Toddlers

Why Bluey Is Heartwarming & Geared Towards The Whole Family

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Let’s face it, as a parent of a toddler, you have to watch kids’ TV programmes. But honestly, Bluey is my fave and, we as adults, often keep watching it when our little one has run off to the next activity. 

I feel seen and heard when watching the Heeler family navigate the trials and tribulations of parenting.

bluey

What I love the most, is how they get those magical parenting moments right. So heartwarming. But it’s also full of real-life examples of how frustrating toddlers can be. I feel seen and heard when watching the Heeler family navigate the trials and tribulations of parenting.

I was inspired to write this post by Claire Mac. It was time to share my favourite Bluey episodes. I’ve watched a lot recently! 

Quick note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links; 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.

Charades

Season 2, Episode 11

Episode description

Bluey and Bingo want everyone to play Charades, but Muffin and Socks are too young to understand the rules, which threatens to derail the game. But Nana has her own special rule so everyone is happy!

My thoughts

We are always moaning about how our little one gets away with everything at the grandparents’ house. It’s true. My mum has to remove all chocolate from the fridge before she goes there. She will just help herself and eat it all! 

This episode makes me love Muffin, but also realise I also have a child who likes to tantrum a lot. What warms my heart is how they all go along with Muffin and her dance. It’s one of those lovely proud parenting moments, even if she did get her own way. 

Grandad 

Season 2, Episode 50

Episode description

Grandad is supposed to be resting, but when Bluey and Bingo go to visit him, he makes a run for it with the kids and takes them on a madcap adventure into the bush.

My thoughts

It’s so heartwarming that Chilli wants to look after her dad and there’s a cute moment at the end of the episode. Which actually inspired my toddler to tell me she loved me. I will let you watch and experience it for yourself. 

Flatpack

Season 2, Episode 24

Episode description

With Mum and Dad assembling the flatpack furniture, the kids improvise games with the discarded wrapping materials. As the flatpack swing seat takes shape, so does Bluey and Bingo’s mini-world.

My thoughts

We all know about the dramas of flatpacks. Especially with kids. The worst one we’ve done is our little ones’ “big girl” bed. 

But this episode makes me all warm and fuzzy inside, about family time. And it’s lovely to see Bluey and Bingo playing together and their sweet moments. 

Makes parenting worth it. 

Want to learn more about the Bluey characters? How about purchasing this amazing set of weebles? Look at the fun we had with them…

@mummyconqueringan

The Bluey blog post will be released soon. I am having so much fun writing it. @Bluey #bluey #blueytok #mumsoftiktok #toddlersoftiktok #fyp #viral

♬ Comical and a little silly carefree music(831995) – Etsuo Kawasaki
bluey
Weebles

Faceytalk

Season 3, Episode 24

Episode description

Bluey and Bingo love to video chat with Muffin and Socks so they can all draw pictures together. When Muffin won’t give Socks a turn, the kids discover what happens when you hog.

My thoughts

I belly-laughed throughout the whole episode. And it made us realise we have Muffin living in our house. Not bingo, or Bluey. 

This is the episode we watch when my parents come around. it’s also the one my toddler requests the most.

Grannies

Season 1, Episode 28

Episode description

A game of Grannies is fun until Bingo and Bluey can’t agree on one simple question: Can grannies dance? Now they need to video call Nanna to get the answer.

How cool are these Bluey items? A dancing teddy. And I am currently ordering the hoodie for my little one!

My thoughts

“I slipped on my beans” – this is currently my hubby’s ringtone. And he is part of a Bluey Facebook group!

Pretending to be grannies – so comical. I also love that mum joins in for a while, till there is too much mess, then says “go ask dad”. 

Writing this post has inspired me to get on the hunt for some creative Bluey activities to do with my little one. Here are a few I found:

Bluey: Let’s Stick!: Sticker Scenes Book (Paperback)

Bluey: Let’s Play Outside!: Magnet Book – Bluey (Hardback)

Bluey: Where’s Bluey?: A Search-and-Find Book (Paperback)

Daddy Dropoff

Season 2, Episode 8

Episode description

It’s Dad’s turn to get the kids ready for school and kindy, but Bluey and Bingo aren’t making things easy! Dad tries to keep everything on track, but can’t help playing along with their games.

My thoughts

I have so much to relate to in this episode. Being late, even when you get up really early. We “talk on the telephone” daily with our little one and I can just imagine her doing something like this in the car. 

But then it melts my heart that dad still plays wind up, even though they are late. Toddlers don’t care if we’re late. They have no concept of time. It’s a boring concept for adults. And something we beat ourselves up about. And shouldn’t!

Check out some of my other pages on the blog

Book Corner
Gift Guides
Hypnotherapy Collaboration

Bin Night

Season 2, Episode 41

Episode description

Bluey, Bingo and Dad always take out the bins. Over a few weeks, Bingo tells Dad about a new kid at Kindy who is mean to her and Mum offers some good advice.

My thoughts

The lovely family ritual of putting out bins and talking about emotions. It makes me smile. 

In the end, Bingo ends up helping the person who was nasty to her. And what an amazing lesson this is, to teach your little ones and explain why it is important.

Ice Cream

Season 2, Episode 46

Episode description

Bluey and Bingo want a lick of each other’s ice cream. But they are so focused on making sure each lick is fair, they don’t notice their ice creams are melting.

My thoughts

A perfect lesson in learning to share things. Heartwarming. And as always with parenting, dad is required to give up his treat.

Fairies

Season 1, Episode 30

Episode description

Bluey’s house has fairies! Tails are being braided, stickers are everywhere, and Mum’s got a peg beard. Now the family must band together to hunt for these invisible mischief-makers.

My thoughts

I just love dad making a fool of himself in Infront of the neighbours and the family having so much fun. 

It’s a dad requirement to make a fool of yourself daily, in order to make your kids laugh.

bluey
Gift Guides

My Top 10 Decor & Gift Picks for the Holiday Season

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I also love supporting small businesses and other creatives. Etsy allows me to shop for what I love, whilst also supporting other people. 

Sam – Founder of Mummy Conquering Anxiety blog

Yesterday was the first day I remembered how gloomy October can be in the UK. But it’s also my favourite time of year. Autumn, Halloween and the lead-up to Christmas have always excited me more than the summer months. 

I have storage boxes full of Halloween and Christmas decor. But it’s old & tired. We are in need of a fall refresh. 

Gift Picks for the Holiday Season

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 other people.

Images courtesy of individual sellers on Etsy.

With only two paydays until the main event, it’s time for us all to start thinking about our Christmas Shopping.
And narrowing down what we want to buy our loved ones.
Personally, I love a unique and quirky gift. I am always on the lookout for something nobody else would buy.

Sam – Founder of Mummy Conquering Anxiety blog

I also love supporting small businesses and other creatives. Etsy allows me to shop for what I love, whilst also supporting other people. 

Let’s dive into my fall decor faves

Personalised Pumpkins

Gift Picks for the Holiday Season

These pumpkins are so cute! I’ve wanted to get some for a few years now.

My little one would absolutely love one with her name on it.

What a cute family decor idea to bring the spirit of fall into your home.

Personalised Pumpkin Family Print

Gift Picks for the Holiday Season

Another cute idea is to have a wall hanging you can bring our every fall season.

A really great way to include all the family, and bring in the new season.

Cinnamon Buns Wax Melt Snap Bars

wax melt snap bar

Do I really need to say anything, other than I have just purchased some?

Smells really do have the power to transport you to another place and transition into a change of season.

Autumn Cottage Scene Halloween

Autumn cottage

Another totally cute and unique home decor item,

You can bring this out every fall and really get into the spirit of the homely vibes.

Autumn Pumpkin Spice Crystal Candle

candle

Candles are definitely my favourite thing about the fall season.

With darker nights, you can light up the room and really create an ambience.

For any spiritual people amongst us, the crystal elements also make this the perfect gift for a loved one,

Don’t see anything you like?

Struggling for inspiration?

Why not check out the Editor’s picks for some inspiration…

With only two paydays until the main event, it’s time for us all to start thinking about our Christmas Shopping.

And narrowing down what we want to buy our loved ones.

Personally, I love a unique and quirky gift. I am always on the lookout for something nobody else would buy.

Let’s dive into my gift ideas for Christmas

Cornish Candle Gift Box

Gift set

The perfect, cute little gift set. For anyone who loves candles. or maybe you know someone who is in need of a self-care heart?

Personalised Coffee Cup with Name On

Gift Picks for the Holiday Season

As a busy mum, who literally NEEDS coffee every morning, I would love this as a gift.

Perfect to sit next to a coffee machine in your loved ones’ house.

Coffee Syrup Drink Stirrers

Gift Picks for the Holiday Season

Are there any coffee lovers out there?

Do you happen to know someone who absolutely loves creating coffee-shop-style coffees at home?

We all know how expensive it can be to visit Starbucks every day.

Christmas Coffee Sweatshirt

Gift Picks for the Holiday Season

This has got me excited about my Christmas Eve Box. I love making one for my little girl, but I want one for myself now.

Maybe you have family coming to stay with you? This would make the perfect gift to wear on Christmas Day or for your Boxing Day celebrations.

You’ll Always Be My Best-Tea

Gift Picks for the Holiday Season

The perfect gift for your best-tea to remember you by.

Maybe you have a friend you can’t be with over the festive period.

Or someone who needs a little reminder that you love them.

Final thoughts

I hope you enjoyed my rundown of fall decor for your home. And a list of great gifts so you can start thinking about your Christmas list.

Which item is your favourite?

Gift Picks for the Holiday Season
Mindset change

Affirmations – What Comes to Mind?

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GUEST POST – a note from the writer…

Hello, My name is Princess Joe-Igbuzor. I’m a Nigerian Law student who is passionate about mental health and women’s rights. 

I am indeed thrilled to be writing this guest post for your blog, I hope you enjoy the read and have a great day. 

About My Blog 

Write_rspace is a mental health blog which focuses on saying big things in small ways. Predominantly writing about mental health, my focus is to de-stigmatize the mystic aura behind mental health and reduce it into concepts that people can understand in everyday life. 

Different things spring to mind depending on how deep you are in your personal development journey. For some, Affirmations are like a list of mantras that you recite to yourself every morning. Others see it as some form of ritual in which you chant a string of words. 

Putting it plain and simple, Affirmations in this context are sentences you say to yourself to profess the opposite of your surrounding situation.

It’s speaking positively even in the negative. 

No one who is truly happy stands in front of a mirror and tells themselves they’re happy.

Mark Manson in his book, The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F**k
Affirmations

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 other people.

Lets dive in

Over time, a lot of individuals including myself have begun to see Affirmations as a form of ritualistic activity. It almost seems like affirmations are delusions we tell ourselves because as said by Mark Manson in his book, The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F**k, ‘No one who is truly happy stands in front of a mirror and tells themselves they’re happy.’ 

Ever since I had jumped off the bandwagon and stopped using affirmations in total or so I thought. I, like most people, thought affirmations were sentences you told yourself in front of a mirror every morning and that was all there was to it. 

So then I would ask myself and I’m sure you’ve asked yourself this too, 

‘Why should I say I’m happy every morning even when I don’t feel happy?’ 

Like I said earlier, it makes one feel delusional especially when those words don’t instantly make things perfect and we still go about our day feeling down. 

But what we have failed to realize is that Affirmations are never one size fits all. It’s not some ritual or only an activity that some people partake in. We all use affirmations day in and day out.

Let me show you 7 ways you unconsciously use affirmations

7 ways you unconsciously use affirmations

An ‘I’ll be fine’ on a bad/rough day.

Remember the last time you were having a really bad day, your self-esteem felt like it was non-existence and you just wanted to disappear literally. 

When you find yourself in this situation and after having a meltdown session, you clean your tears and you say, ‘I’ll be fine.’ or ‘I will get through this’.

Do you want to know a secret? That ‘I’ll be fine’ or ‘I will get through this’ or their variations are affirmations. 

But we say it so often that we don’t realize they are affirmations. 

How? 

Because everything in that moment is telling you that things won’t be fine and yet you profess the positive even in that state. 

I recall, last month I was going through a really bad few weeks and I had been trying to keep it all inside but this particular day every emotion I was feeling felt heightened and I wanted to drop everything and just go home but I couldn’t. In the midst of all that, I remember saying, ‘I will be fine, I have gone through so much and this will not overcome me.’ 

I didn’t instantly feel better but I was calmer in that moment so it was easier to face the task at hand. I know I was aware at that moment that I had used an affirmation. 

The ‘I look good’ on a bad hair/outfit day. 

We have all had our fair share of bad hair/outfit days, it’s a common occurrence in life. 

But telling yourself you look good in an outfit that you know you don’t or you could better is a form of affirmation. You just don’t pay close attention to it. The outfit doesn’t make the person, The person makes the outfit. 

So even when you are putting on an outfit that you know you look mid in, you square your shoulders and readjust your posture and tell yourself, ‘I look good.’ 

On days when you have a sudden wardrobe malfunction and there is no alternative so you make a spare outfit, you still tell yourself you look great despite knowing you could look better. 

Some books to help you on your affirmation journey

The ‘I can do anything I set my mind to’ when goal setting. 

Whether you write it down or have a vision in your head, we all have goals. 

Some parameters of what we hope to achieve. However, some days come and we are down in the dumps wondering if we will ever achieve the goals we had in mind. An experience I’m sure we all relate to is that of setting resolutions. 

At the beginning of the month or year, we set resolutions of the things we hope to achieve before the specific timeline runs out. But almost always by the middle of the month or a few months into the year, we lose our momentum, that drive that we had the day we were setting the goal is almost non-existence. 

Setbacks with goal-setting

Or perhaps we have been trying to achieve the goals but we have encountered some setbacks. 

Naturally, we begin to reevaluate our goals and attempt to make some changes but then suddenly we get this deep resilience that we can do anything we set our minds to. 

Sometimes we say this out loud. Oftentimes we just feel it and rather than change course, we tread down the same path with renewed energy and motivation. 

The ‘I’m great’ when doubt sets in. 

For every athlete and artist out there, you can resonate with a moment in your career when you were doubtful of your capabilities even when you have proved yourself before. 

The mind is a tricky place and although you know you can achieve this feat, doubt and fear have come to nestle you just right before the race, game or performance. 

You tell yourself to just breathe and calm down but your palms become shaky and sweaty. You certainly can’t perform at your best like this so you try to give yourself a confidence boost but that doesn’t seem to help. 

And then you start to take deep breaths and tell yourself ‘I’ll do great.’, ‘I’m great, I have done this before, I can do it again.’ 

I’m a university student and last semester was tough. I had done well in previous semesters but this last semester, doubt started to sink in. I would read for hours and not remember a single thing, I knew I was in over my head and I needed to get out of there fast or my grades would fall. 

So every time, right before I started reading or writing any form of test or exam, I would tell myself that ‘I’m great and I can do this. I have done it before and this time will be no different.’ I didn’t know it but It was affirmations that helped me get through that doubt. 

Tools to help you on your self-development journey

The ‘It’s not that bad’ when things are really bad. 

Affirmations don’t always have to be in the form of all positive and go skippy, they can sometimes hide in semi-positive statements especially when we subconsciously don’t want to admit that we use affirmations. 

You have been in a situation that was very bad like stage 10 bad and yet you told yourself that, ‘it’s not that bad.’ 

Like a hall, you rented for an event getting flooded before the event or you got a bad score on a test you worked hard for. 

In the midst of all this, you tell yourself, ‘It’s not that bad.’ and you move on. It doesn’t make things better but it begins to hurt less. 

The ‘Tomorrow will be better’ after a long day. 

Some days are never-ending, they seem to have 36 hours instead of the usual 24 hours. The night can’t come any faster so when you do eventually get to crawl into bed. You are already exhausted and just want to be over with the day so you tell yourself, Tomorrow will be better. Because it has to be. 

That’s affirmation at its best. You are speaking into a new day and declaring what you want from it even before the day is here. 

Some days you don’t even realize that you are saying this or speaking it into existence. It just seems natural and far from mystical. 

Lastly, we have the ‘It’s a phase, It will pass’ after a series of bad weeks/months.

This we use when we have yet another bad week after a string of bad weeks or another bad month after a few bad months. 

We tell ourselves that we know things may be not great now but no situation is permanent and it will all pass soon despite no inclination that things are getting better. 

We tell ourselves it’s a phase and we believe so. That’s the power of affirmations. 

One of the instant benefits of these unconscious affirmations is the sense of calmness and assurance that you feel after speaking these positive words into existence. 

Closing Remarks 

Affirmations don’t have to be in front of a mirror or said at a particular time of the day. That’s the hidden magic to it.

You can make use of affirmations daily without even realizing that you are. In the same way, we have positive affirmations, there exist negative affirmations. 

But now that you know the benefits of positive affirmations, you can imagine what effects negative affirmations will have. 

In what ways have you used affirmations unconsciously in your daily life?

Writer’s Information

 Instagram link: Write_rspace

Twitter link: Write_rspace

Blog link: Write_rspace

LinkedIn Profile: @Princess Joe-Igbuzor

Staycation

Staycation: The Great British Seaside Holiday and the Reasons I Love It So Much

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UPDATED – October 2023

Staycation

OK, where do I start? The Great British Seaside Holiday. Going on a UK Staycation. I am aware some of my readers may not know what it is. Do not fear, I will explain below. As kids, we visited many places in Britain. Mainly because of lack of money and well, traveling abroad with two kids ain’t fun. 

I’m calling it the “British” holiday because that’s mainly where we visited as kids. Since being an adult, we have visited Wales quite a lot and I will talk all about this in future blog posts. 

I wanted to discuss this subject because my younger sibling has grown up not valuing this type of holiday as much as I do. My reaction is totally different. These holidays make me really excited and I absolutely love everything about it. Based on our family experience, I suspect other people out there either love or hate it.

If after reading this article, you feel inspired to book your next UK Staycation, I have included all the links you need…

Quick note: Mummy Conquering Anxiety is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. 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.

great british seaside holiday caravan at dusk

History of the Great British Seaside Staycation

Butlins is a household name in the UK. My Grandma had the same pictures of my Mum on the beach as us when we were little. The only way you could tell the difference was one set of pictures was black and white, and one was in colour.

I’ve also stayed in a few Pontins holiday parks, for party weekends. Back when I was young and full of energy.

The fascination with this type of holiday began in the 1950s and this article explains the history in more detail.

We have a Haven holiday coming up and also regularly visit Parkdean. With our little one becoming more aware of the world around her, these types of holidays will soon become the norm. I pack up the car with everything we need and the drive is generally about two hours away. Perfect when you have a toddler!

Staycation

What attracts me to these holiday parks, over a different type of holiday?

 1. Bingo

Who doesn’t love bingo?

Quite often these parks will offer linked bingo, where you can win a large prize, and it’s fun, sitting in the entertainment room with the kids zooming around.

It reminds me of a bit more upmarket Working Men’s Club. When we were young teens, everyone had their parties here and it was right across the street from us. It is now a housing estate. This Guardian article explains how some have remained and adapted to the current times.

2. The entertainment

I must say the quality of entertainment has improved over the years and I am very impressed with the activities we have been able to pre-book for our upcoming Haven holiday.

The joy of getting ready to go out and knowing there will be something to entertain the kids. Family fun for everyone involved and I just love it.

3. Cheap drinks & lovely food

Parking the car up, throwing the bags on the bed, walking to the pub. Can’t wait. We already have a table booking just after our check-in time, haha!

It’s great for us because we know the setting will be child-friendly and we don’t have to worry about disturbing other people who are also trying to have a nice meal. Our little one can make friends, play in the arcades, we can eat and drink, safe in the knowledge she is entertained and looked after. 

This is a huge bonus for families with young children!

Pre-children, we also visited as a couple and absolutely loved it. We rented a caravan for a weekend and enjoyed the bar, minus the kid’s entertainment (there is usually a separate entertainment room and the bar is a bit quieter). I did insist on playing bingo though and hubby wasn’t that impressed.

These days we book the top brand of caravan, this allows us to have more bedrooms, bathrooms and overall comfort. As we stay with the in-laws it gives everyone a bit of personal space. Having decking is also a must. Our little one can play outside, but she’s safe in an enclosed space, and it’s also nice to sit there in the morning with a coffee, or a drink at night.

4. Play area for kids

Now I have a child, it’s also beneficial to have a play area and this is usually right outside the bar, making it convenient for everyone to have a good time.

Whilst I love our local park, the play area tends to be far away from the cafe, which I totally get. However, when you’re on holiday it’s a different vibe. It’s accepted there will be children around and everyone has fun together.

It reminds me of the vibe I get in Spain, where families go out more and do things together. Children are welcome everywhere. I am not saying in the UK they aren’t, there is just still this stigma of child-friendly and non-child-friendly places to eat and drink. I totally understand. If we had a date night, I wouldn’t want a screaming child next to me.

Maybe we are all just a bit more relaxed when we’re on holiday, and it’s a great thing.

If you don’t have a holiday planned, you can check out my blog post, which includes 20 ideas for fun activities adults and children can do together…

I’ve made use of the list this year, as this is the first holiday we’ve been on over the summer.

Staycation

A list of 20 children’s activities for improving adult mental health

5. Planned activities for kids

As we usually have a week of school activities to keep the little one entertained, she will need something similar when we go on holiday. 

In the past, I’ve booked a bug hunt, nature trail, and slime-making class. This is quality family time spent together and uses up some of her energy.

6. The accommodation

When planning a Great British seaside holiday, there is something that always attracts me to stay in a caravan.

Staying in a caravan isn’t the most luxurious accommodation I’ve ever stayed in, but it’s nostalgic and fun. There is just something about it I love.

These days we book the top brand of caravan. This allows us to have more bedrooms, bathrooms, and overall comfort. As we stay with the in-laws it gives everyone a bit of personal space. Having decking is also a must. Our little one can play outside, but she’s safe in an enclosed space, and it’s also nice to sit there in the morning with a coffee, or a drink at night.

I can picture myself now! Having a sneaky look on Twitter and a lovely coffee, hopefully, before anyone else gets up, breathing in the sea air. I need it after the year I’ve had.

Check out my other blog posts in the holiday section:

TIPS TO MAKE YOUR FAMILY HOLIDAY ADVENTURE UNFORGETTABLE

THE CHARM OF HANDMADE GIFTS WHILST YOU’RE ON HOLIDAY

4 TOP TIPS FOR AN EXCITING FAMILY HOLIDAY

Too busy to read on? Pin it for later…

Staycation

7. Dog friendly

Our little one loves meeting dogs in the park. 

We also want a dog to join our family, eventually. When the time is right. This year we have family members joining us with a new puppy and we were struggling to find accommodation to house us all, along with the dog. This caravan site is the perfect solution.

It’s great that some of the parks we visit are dog-friendly. Another bonus of staying in the UK for a holiday is for those who don’t want to leave pets behind.

8. Amusement arcade

When the hubby & I got together, one of our shared passions was travelling to the seaside and spending hours on the 2p machines. We did this even before having a child. It’s something we both did as kids, we’ve grown up loving caravan holidays, and we want our little one to experience the same joy.

But he draws the line at loving the bingo and entertainment as much as I do. That’s why I bring my mum along. Eyes down…

9. Near the seaside

These caravan parks are perfect to use as a base camp to explore other nearby areas. 

During our stay, we usually split our time between park activities and going out for the day to the nearest seaside. 

Other holiday parks, booking sites & hotels I want to mention

As I am usually the event planner in the family, I’ve spent many hours researching holidays and know quite a bit about when prices spike and what facilities are available in which parks.

The Great British seaside holiday, happens to be my area of expertise, simply because it’s where we visit the most as a family. When you go abroad, the work is taken care of for you, but these types of holidays need someone organised at the helm.

I frequently use Hoseasons, as their website has a large range of bookings at other caravan parks. You can also filter by holiday type, whether it be adult-only with hot tub, child-friendly, activity parks, cottages, or large houses. They also have a range of special collections you can search by. If you sign up for their email list, you also get sent regular offers.

I’m also a huge fan of Booking.com. The biggest selling point of Booking.com is free cancellation. With what’s going on in the world recently, this is a huge benefit. It gives you peace of mind if for any reason you’re unable to travel.

We have a Village hotel near us and it’s where we go if we want some child-free time to relax. What I love about their hotels is the layout. Everything you need is onsite. You just park the car up and get ready to relax and indulge.

They have a Starbucks, a pub, a restaurant, and leisure facilities including a swimming pool, gym, and classes. A spa. Room service, rooms you can upgrade to with a coffee machine and sky package.

What more could you possibly want?

Staycation

The pandemic & its impact on UK holidays

The pandemic caused a whole different take on the British holiday. All of a sudden, people couldn’t travel outside the UK and therefore had no choice but to book a holiday in this country.

This article provides some practical guidance on how to ensure you are covered when booking a holiday.

Due to the high demand for UK holidays, we struggled to find suitable accommodation for this break, at a reasonable price. We had to compromise on the location and duration of the stay, but I am looking forward to a break and that’s what matters.

Hopefully next year we can get back to our usual routine, of going abroad, with some holiday parks scattered throughout the year, so I can get my bingo fix!

Before I pack up my car & get going…

Do you have any holidays coming up? Tell me about them below or add me on social media – for updates on mine.

I can’t wait to hear from you.

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    Family days out

    Worth Valley Railway – A Fun Packed Day Out

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    Worth Valley Railway is a fun day out for the kids. And definitely worth the price tag, if you make a day of it. Not only can you get a wonderful train ride on a steam train, but there are two museums and fun activities for the kids.

    Worth Valley Railway
    Worth Valley Railway

    We last took my little one to Worth Valley Railway when she was a bit smaller. There was a craft train for the children, where she made some bookmarks and did some drawing. She absolutely loved the museum, sitting in the train carriages and looking at all the memorabilia.

    The staff in the smaller museum, with a gift shop, were also really friendly and great with kids. We all had a wonderful day out and we really want to book one of their exprience days.

    Let’s dive into the practical information you need when visiting for the day

    Fares

    TICKETON THE DAYONLINE 3 DAYS IN ADVANCE
    Adult£21.00£18.90
    Concessions£17.85£16.07
    Children (5-15) £10.50 £9.45
    Children under 5FreeFree
    Small Family (1 adult & 1 child)£26.25£23.63
    Large Family (2 adults & 3 children)£52.50£47.25
    Local Resident Card Holder & Members£10.50N/A

    You can see all the other options for travelling here.

    Timetable

    As the railway has a lot of special events, they run certain timetables on certain days. It is always best to check before planning your visit.

    Places to eat & drink

    It’s important to know where you can rest for a pit stop. Especially when you have a little one in tow. There are some wonderful pubs and cafes along the train lines and you won’t be disappointed.

    The stations

    There are some lovely stations you can visit, each area has its own special charm.

    Worth Valley Railway

    Accessibility

    Accessibility is such an important aspect for some people. And it can be vital to planning your day out.

    All the details you need about accessibility are here.

    Private hire & birthday parties

    Yes, you heard it right, why not book your special occasion at such a wonderful venue?

    Shop

    The best thing about visiting places like this is the gift shop. As a family, we love to buy a souvenir because this helps inspire great memories we’ve made.

    Benefits of Membership of the KWVR

    If you plan on visiting regularly, you can consider a membership. And you will be giving something back to such a well-preserved museum and community activity.

    Everything you get when signing up for a membership:

    • THREE free Day Rover tickets per year,
    • Half-price travel on standard operating days
    • Discounts on tickets for selected special events
    • Copy of our prize-winning quarterly magazine “Push and Pull”
    • The opportunity to volunteer on the Railway.
    • The satisfaction of belonging to one of the foremost Railway Preservation Societies in the world
    TYPEPRICE
    AdultFor Ages 16 – 64£35.00
    Senior65 or over£30.00
    JointFor any 2 Adults or Seniors living at the same address £60.00
    JuniorAge 5 – 15£17.50
    Family2 Adults & up to 3 Children (aged 5-15) living at the same address£70.00
    Overseas IndividualAnyone resident outside the British Isles£60.00
    Overseas FamilyAnyone resident outside the British Isles
    2 Adults & up to 3 Children (aged 5-15) living at the same address    		£105.00

    Final thoughts

    I hope you enjoyed reading all about our experience at Worth Valley Railway.

    Have you visited before? Will you be planning a visit?

    Worth Valley Railway
    Guest posts, Mental Health

    How to Reduce Anxiety Through A Daily Journal Practice 

    , 21 Comments

    Guest blog post: brought to you by Amber Louise of the Lady Boss Nomad blog

    daily journal practice

    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.

    One of the greatest lies we tell ourselves is that we’re stuck in a rut. However, did you know it’s not only possible to change your situation but to also change yourself too?

    The mind is a powerful thing. It can be our greatest ally or our biggest enemy. The key to reinventing yourself is to gain control over the mind and start living the life you want to live. One way you can do this is by keeping a journal.

    Since my mid-teens, I have kept some form of a journal whether it be an art journal, a diary or a bullet journal. Now I keep a journal for creative brainstorming in both my business and personal life and I keep an A5 journal for all my mixed media art. 

    being 100% honest about your thoughts and feelings can be difficult to start with. You need to remember that your journal is a safe place. It’s a non-judgmental space which enables you to say exactly how you feel with no repercussions or judgements. 

    It’s a wonderful outlet especially for me as I suffer from GAD or Generalised Anxiety Disorder but, the high functioning kind which can easily go undetected by others. So you see it’s extremely important for me to have a creative and reflective outlet as a busy boss lady that runs her blog.

    Here in this post, I want to share with you my best tips for creating a daily journal practice that can reduce your anxiety and stress. These are life-saving tips that can improve your whole mindset and is a form of self CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy technique. 

    Tip number 1: Choose the right journal for yourself 

    Ok, so this one may sound a little silly, but the journal you choose can have a significant impact on how effective it is. Your journal is supposed to inspire and motivate you to use it. So, if you don’t love it, you’re not going to feel very inspired.

    Take your time to choose the right journal. Think about its design and how the pages are set out. Do you love it? Can you see yourself writing in it every day? It may sound a little ridiculous, but the right journal will pick you. 

    Tip number 2: Start by writing about the things you’re grateful for

    Once you’ve got the right journal, figuring out how to start it can be pretty tough. So, if you’re struggling, start by writing a list of the things you’re grateful for. This can either be done first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening. There are advantages to doing it during both times, so it’s all about what works for you.

    All too often, we spend most of our time focusing on the things we don’t have or the things we wish we had. This makes us forget about the positive things we do have. Journaling helps you to focus on the positive things in the here and now, rather than wasting time and energy wishing for something more.

    So how can this help you to reinvent yourself? Well, the more positive you are, the easier you’ll find it to make a change. It’s often our negativity which sets us back in life so anything which makes us more positive can help us to reinvent ourselves. 

    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!

    Tip number 3: Be absolutely honest in your journal 

    Journaling isn’t going to help you if you aren’t 100% honest. The trouble is, you may find you spend so much time hiding how you feel, that being 100% honest about your thoughts and feelings can be difficult to start with. You need to remember that your journal is a safe place. It’s a non-judgmental space which enables you to say exactly how you feel with no repercussions or judgements. 

    Once you’re honest about your thoughts and feelings and what you want from life, you’ll be able to see what you need to do to change.   

    Tip number 4: Write down your biggest goals

    Use the journal to write down what it is you want to achieve. This can be done in the form of short term and long-term goals. It’s important to see the big picture. Where do you want to be in 3-5 years and how could you potentially get there?

    Writing down your goals and identifying the steps you need to take to make a change, will help massively.

    Tip number 5: Make it a daily routine if you can

    It’s important to use your journal daily. Set up a daily routine where you write in your journal at a specific time. Once you’ve gotten used to writing in the journal, it will become an automatic habit you carry out each day.

    As with anything, to reinvent yourself, you need to be persistent and committed. So, be sure to write in your journal every single day.

    daily journal practice

    Summary

    These are just 5 ways that you can reduce your anxiety daily through journaling practice. The more you do it, the more chances you’ll start to see – both in how you feel and how you act. I am 100% certain that a journal will help you to reduce your stress and anxiety if you make it part of your daily routine. 

    It can also improve your focus and generate creative brainstorming which is crucial for busy CEOs and boss ladies. Often I will use my journal to brainstorm blog post ideas or even a whole product launch. If you too a busy boss lady who has high functioning anxiety then definitely give this a try. Other ways you can use your journal are brainstorming recipes or jotting down positive affirmations. I just know you’ll love this practice as much as I do! 

    Download and print your own 74-page Anxiety Journal here: https://ladybossnomad.gumroad.com/l/zapvj 

    About my guest blogger

    Amber Louise is the busy CEO and Founder of the Lady Boss Nomad. She inspires women with useful tips, resources, motivation & encouragement to help their digital businesses thrive. She helps female entrepreneurs launch a digital businesses. This service is for those who already have digital products but just need a robust platform or for newbies needing ideas on which digital products to sell, she goes through ebooks, eCourses, printable’s etc. She can offer guidance on the best tools and resources for digital businesses and blogs about product launching, marketing and sales page creation.

    Social media links:

    LinkedIn

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladybossnomad

    Twitter

    https://mobile.twitter.com/ladybossnomad

    Instagram 

    Pinterest 

    Main Website

    Mental Health

    The Magic Garden Play Cafe in Howarth

    , 12 Comments

    We used to visit the Magic Garden Play Cafe in Howarth when my little one could barely sit up. It was when I was first introduced to Little Learners. They held one of their classes there and it was a real lifeline for me during maternity leave.

    Back then I was contending with low confidence and what I now know was postpartum anxiety. I couldn’t attend the classes without my hubby or mum to accompany me. That said, we made many lovely memories together. Whilst these struggles feel like a lifetime ago, it was strange being back in the building four years on. I even forgot which entrance we had to go through! 

    Disclaimer – this review was written following a paid-for visit to the event. I am in no way affiliated with the cafe nor have I been paid for this review

    Parents & carers community

    These days I love nothing more than chatting to other mums, at the soft play centre or activity we have lined up. We also see a lot of grandparents caring for young children. My mental health struggles have taught me that as parents and carers, we are all tired and exhausted. We largely face the same struggles and there is value in a quick conversation or giving someone directions to the toilet. It’s a great community of people and I now love being a part of it.

    Just the other day we were in Wetherspoons and a lovely older couple went looking for me and my toddler. We had both gone to get a refill cup of tea and left our shopping bags. They thought we had left and forgotten our shopping. So lovely of them to worry about us.

    Let’s dive into the practical information you need if you want to visit The Magic Garden Play Cafe

    Booking the Elsa & Anna sing-along

    When I saw the Elsa & Anna sing-along online, I immediately booked it. My four-year-old is obsessed with Elsa and we took the opportunity for her to dress up. I even let her have the Elsa microphone in the car. 

    The location 

    As we were driving up the hill in Howarth I was flooded with lovely memories of coming here with my grandma. We would visit the shops and it’s a place close to my heart. It was lovely explaining that to my little one. 

    Upon arrival 

    Upon arrival, we noticed many other Elsa dresses and Anna costumes in the car park. The remark I got from my four-year-old was “I will sing along with them“. 

    This is what classes like this are all about. Community and making friends. 

    You can check out some of the other blog posts in the parenting section, below:

    Mummy life

    5 Tips to Boosting Your Quality of Life as a Mum

    0
    Family

    Buy a Gift For Your Teen: 3 Tips to Use

    0
    Family

    How To Plan For And Cope With Our Parents Getting Older

    0
    Family days out

    Is a Kids Pass Worth It? My Honest Review – Mummy Conquering Anxiety

    0
    Places to eat

    The Craft House in Bingley – Is It Worth a Visit?

    0
    Places to eat

    My Review of The Old Bridge Cafe In Skipton

    0
    Places to eat

    The Noble Comb Hungry Horse Pub in Shipley – MCA Review

    0
    Parenting

    20 Relatable Bluey Parenting Moments We Love

    0
    Parenting Resources

    Downloadable Worksheets and Learning Books for ages 4-7

    5
    Family days out

    A Rundown of the UK Merlin Attractions To Visit With The Kids

    2

    The venue 

    The venue has around 15 tables and I’ve never struggled to get a seat in all the time I’ve been coming here. When you are alone with a child, it’s important you can get a table and have a base to store coats, bags and shoes. And more importantly, sit down! If I cannot be sure I will get a table at the venue we attend, I always intentionally pick a pre-bookable soft play – where you can secure your table.

    Kids section 

    There is a gated section where classes and events take place. The gate is helpful if you have little ones trying to escape. There are lots of great classes which take place here and I have included some of the posters and links for you below. 

    The play area 

    This play area inspired my little one’s bedroom decor. The IKEA leaves were something we had to get her. And she commented today that her bedroom is also decorated the same way. I love the Scandi feel of the play area. And although we were here for an Elsa & Anna singalong, all my toddler wanted to do was take off her shoes and play in the soft play. 

    It’s still one of the most impressive play areas I’ve visited, despite reviewing a lot of them previously. You can book to just attend the soft play only.

    The cafe 

    As parents, we all know the cafe is an important aspect. Being able to have that nice cup of tea and a bite to eat is a must. And now I have a four-year-old I can actually sit for 10 minutes at a time. Enjoying my cup of tea is bliss. Whilst she is off making friends and enjoying herself.

    How was the food?

    The cup of tea and bacon sandwich I ordered didn’t disappoint. The little one got a cute little frozen meal box with the price of the ticket. Which included a selection of sandwiches (who chose ham) crisps and a drink.

    We also bought an Elsa bun, cos we all deserve a little treat. 

    Prices for play 

    You can view the prices for play and some of the upcoming events at the cafe. For a full list, check out the website.

    Opening times 

    The cafe is open during these days & times:

    * Monday to Thursday 9.30 am – 2.30 pm.

    Parties

    They also offer parties. All the details you need are here.

    Summary 

    My intention is to enjoy the rest of the summer with my little one – when I can. Because childcare is so damn expensive, we will also keep the same family routine throughout the year. Meaning my toddler gets one weekday with each parent, during the school holidays. And the rest of the time I’m looking at sports clubs, which I know she will love. 

    My mental health struggles taught me a while ago, that a work-life balance was the only way I could mentally keep myself well. I’m also thankful I’ve managed to create the balance we need. And I plan on keeping it that way. 

    I will be booking more amazing activities – to create lifelong memories with my baby girl. 

    Want to be featured on my Family Days Out page – email me with your idea for a collaboration. I would love to come and review your venue or activity. 

    Magic Garden Play Cafe in Howarth
    Lifestyle

    How To Handle Separation With As Little Pain As Possible

    , 2 Comments

    While no one expects to go through a divorce when marrying their partner, it unfortunately does happen. At the end of the day, things can change and your relationship may also deteriorate over time, sometimes through no fault of either party.

    Whatever the reason for the separation, there are tips to help ensure the separation is handled with as little pain as possible. Here are some helpful tips to handle your separation, should you be going through one right now.

    How To Handle Separation
    Image Source

    Acknowledge you’ll have different feelings about the separation

    It’s important to remember that there are two people involved in the separation and when it comes to handling that separation, it’s important to remember that you will both handle it differently.

    Depending on the reasoning for the separation, you may find that you or your partner are feeling things differently from the other and that’s okay. It’s beneficial to acknowledge and process these feelings individually and to remember that everyone will react differently to a separation.

    How To Handle Separation

    Provide yourself with time to grieve the separation

    It’s highly important to find the time to grieve for the separation. After all, a separation is often a form of loss that can be hard to process. It’s useful to give yourself the time to grieve the separation and to mourn all the months or years you’ve experienced with your significant other. Not to mention all of the married years you might have had or will no longer have.

    Grief is a real part of separation and it’s something to acknowledge and go through. 

    Don’t go through it alone

    When it comes to a divorce, it’s important that you’ve got yourself a support network. These individuals are going to help guide you through the process and offer that shoulder to lean on or cry on, should you need it.

    Don’t go through it alone and when you feel like you need the help, ask for it. It’s of course, hard to speak to anyone but your ex-partner about the situation and how you’re feeling. However, it’s something that you want to give yourself plenty of support with. While a divorce lawyer is good to have, they’re not going to be the person you call late a night for a chit-chat.

    Try to communicate calmly with your ex-partner

    Communicating with your ex-partner will often be needed, especially if children are involved. With that being said, try to communicate calmly with your ex-partner. Avoid speaking if things have gotten heated recently or you’ve come to a point where every conversation is resulting in an argument.

    Give the time needed to cool down or for your ex-partner to cool down before attempting to talk again.

    Take care of yourself throughout the process

    Finally, take the time to look after yourself. A divorce or separation of any kind can be tough on your mental and physical well-being. Be kind to yourself and take the time to take care of yourself throughout the ordeal that is playing out.

    A divorce or separation is never a happy process, so make sure you’re looking after yourself and using these tips for your benefit.

    Family days out

    5 Fantastic Reasons To Visit East Riddlesden Hall

    , 2 Comments

    East Riddlesden Hall is a Historic house with intimate gardens. Described on the website as a hidden oasis on the edge of a West Yorkshire town. A National Trust site, which is maintained for the benefit of the local community.

    Read on for all the information you need to Visit East Riddlesden Hall.

    Visit East Riddlesden Hall

    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 other people.

    Let’s take a look at 5 great reasons you should Visit East Riddlesden Hall

    With an English Heritage Membership or a National Trust membership, you can benefit from discounts across all sites

    Because several of the sites are co-owned by the two organisations, we gained a lot of National Trust benefits, by only paying for an English Heritage yearly membership. We visited Tintagel and the membership paid for itself within a week’s holiday in Devon. When you sign up for a membership, you are provided with an English Heritage booklet, which contains details on the sites National Trust you can enter for free, or at a discounted rate.

    Sign up for an English Heritage membership today & start your family adventure

    Use code IMAGINE50 for 25% off annual membership

    East Riddlesden Hall is our local National Trust Site and when we purchased an English Heritage membership, it was one of the main places we visited. We still visit to this day. And the beauty of the site is you can pick and choose how much money you spend. On certain days you can enter the gardens for free. The cafe is free to all, or you can pay to tour the house. Look out for free event days! Which are usually advertised on social media.

    A Local Treasure

    It’s nostalgic for me because when I lived alone, the site was near to my house. If I ever felt mentally unwell or stressed out, I would Visit East Riddlesden Hall to have a walk around the grounds. The lake, the wonderful trees and the grounds, all made me feel much better!

    Free specialised events

    We once visited an English Heritage site and were pleased to find out there was a performance for all members to attend. If you check out the website of your local attraction, there will be something wonderful and unique for you to attend. The kind of experiences you just wouldn’t get elsewhere. The latest event at East Riddlesden Hall is dancing in the gardens during the school holidays.

    Our history is important

    In the UK there is a lot of history we need to preserve. People travel from all around the world to visit our world heritage sites, such as Saltaire and Howarth. But English Heritage takes you back in time as far as you can go,

    From small beginnings towards the end of the 19th century, the collection of historic places now managed by English Heritage has grown to over 400, inspired by a determination to put England’s heritage ahead of private interest.

    National Trust – Our history

    Free entry for up to six children

    With any of the National Trust or English Heritage memberships, there is free entry for children accompanied by an adult member (under 18 years and within the family group). Please check the relevant terms of each website for the criteria.

    Let’s dive into the all-important information you need if you’re planning a trip to East Riddlesden Hall

    Opening times

    The opening times are subject to change, due to events, weather and the fact that the hall also hosts events. The best thing to do before planning your visit is to check the opening times. Either on the website or on social media.

    Here are the current opening times:

    House10:00 – 16:00
    Garden10:00 – 16:00
    Great Barn10:00 – 16:00
    Shop10:00 – 16:00
    Tearoom10:00 – 16:00
    Visit East Riddlesden Hall

    Highlights of East Riddlesden Hall

    The House

    When we last visited, we were given a guided tour around the house. We had to take a ticket for a specified time. And do the other bits of the site, before the tour time.

    Original 17th-century features – what to look out for on your visit

    Inside the house, you can still see some of the original 17th-century details introduced by Murgatroyd. Look for the 17th-century panelling, which is a theme throughout the house. As well as the decorative plaster ceilings and intricate wood carvings.

    Garden

    Access to the gardens is usually free, providing the site is open and there isn’t an event on.

    They are beautifully maintained, even including a bug house and other little treasures for children.

    Eating and shopping

    When we had a membership, the thing we loved most about sites, was the gift shop and unique items you could buy.

    The cafe At East Riddlesden Hall is beautiful. Serving lovely food and accessible even if you don’t pay entry to the site.

    The Great Barn

    The agricultural story of East Riddlesden Hall doesn’t end in the house. The Great Barn is one of the finest barns in the north of England. With huge gabled entrances and large mullioned windows.

    Family fun

    During the school holidays, you will find an array of great activities for the kids.

    Second-hand bookshop

    There is a second-hand bookshop located in the kitchen chamber. Children’s books are in the Discovery Room.

    Conservation work

    A team of volunteers is responsible for maintaining the house. You can read all about it here.

    Maintaining such an old building isn’t an easy task. I remember once visiting an English Heritage Site where the windows were cloaked in blackout curtains and you had to carefully enter through the main door, to avoid dust & dirt damaging the site.

    History of the hall

    You can read more about the history of the hall here.

    In 1934 the Briggs brothers donated the property to the National Trust. It was bequeathed on the understanding that it would be conserved and that the land surrounding it would be used for recreation by the local communities. Their passion for East Riddlesden Hall ultimately ensured that it would be saved for everyone, for ever.

    History of the hall

    Weddings

    East Riddlesden Hall has a range of wedding options available. This article will help you decide on whether it would be the perfect venue for your special day.

    Facilities

    Visit East Riddlesden Hall

    Accessibility

    You can read more about the accessibility of the site here.

    Contact details

    If you’re unsure of anything prior to your visit, or you would like to make an enquiry – here are the all-important details you need:

    Address

    Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 5EL

    Telephone Number

    01535607075

    Email address

    eastriddlesden@nationaltrust.org.uk

    Final thoughts

    Do you have an English Heritage membership? Or have you thought about signing up?

    Have you visited East Riddleden Hall before? Come say hello in the comments below.

    Visit East Riddlesden Hall

    Gentle Parenting, Mental Health, Parenting Resources

    Is Gentle Parenting Effective? Read Our Story

    , 16 Comments

    POST UPDATED – AUGUST 2023

    Toddlers can be frustrating at times, but I always try and put myself in their shoes. How much emotion would you feel if you had something to say but didn’t know the words yet? Bless them. Yes, it is tough to think like this when a toddler is testing your limits and pushing your boundaries. But as adults, I feel like we must. We are responsible adults and our brains are actually capable of processing emotions. Unlike the brain of a child.

    is gentle parenting effective

    Please note – before we get into this post, I should say, I acknowledge parenting is the hardest job in the world. I get angry and frustrated, just like any other parent. But in our household, we do make a conscious effort to resolve conflict situations differently with our little ones.

    I am no expert on this subject, nor do I incorporate all the elements of gentle parenting. I am still very much on a learning journey. But I wanted to share our experience in order to help other people out there.

    Accepting that all behaviour is communication and it is age appropriate for their developmental stage, really allows you to parent differently.

    Let’s look at the science

    I think once you get your head around the fact toddlers don’t actually possess the same brain capabilities and development as adults, you can start to take things less personally. My little one is quite intelligent and can be grown up when she wants to. My hubby, mentioned the other day that sometimes we expect too much of her because of this, and we must remember the below.

    Though your 3-year-old is beginning to understand the emotions they are feeling, they still have very little control over them. If they find something funny, they’ll laugh hysterically. If something makes them feel sad or angry, they’ll burst into tears.
    If they feel something, they are likely to act on it. This may mean snatching a toy away from another child if they want to play with it, or getting upset when they want a snack after being told they have to wait until dinnertime. Delayed gratification means nothing to them – they want it and want it now.
    Three- and 4-year-old children may use hitting, biting, or pushing as a way to solve conflicts. They simply don’t understand the difference between appropriate and inappropriate interactions yet. It’s your job to teach your child that there are right and wrong ways to express emotions and resolve problems with others.

    Webmd

    Changing your mindset about toddler behaviour

    How powerful is reading this? Children may also laugh as a default when they don’t know what else to do. As a parent, it could seem like they are laughing at being told boundaries, or being sneaky. But this probably isn’t the case.

    Accepting that all behaviour is communication and it is age appropriate for their developmental stage, really allows you to parent differently.

    When you realise toddlers are simply finding their way through the world, how to respond and they simply don’t know the way yet. The adults around them can then act accordingly.

    How did I realise what we did was gentle parenting?

    I won’t mince my words here. Given my own upbringing, at a different stage time, where harsh discipline was accepted, I thought the term “gentle parenting” was just parents not being firm enough with their toddlers. In the very early days of having a baby, I had visions of reasoning with a little person in the supermarket and losing control. Which in turn would mean I lost control of the situation. 

    Joining TikTok made me realise how we parent within our family, is actually gentle parenting. And following Kelly Medina Enos on TikTok has helped. I love how honest she is and following her journey makes me feel comfortable with what we are doing. More importantly, it will never be perfect. 

    is gentle parenting effective

    What changed in our parenting style?

    Before our little one was born, I thought I would be a much harsher, stricter parent than I actually am.

    When your little one starts moving around, touching plugs and threatening to hurt themselves every minute, you need to have parenting conversations. And you won’t always agree. My hubby and I were brought up the same way. Pretty afraid of our parents at times  – that look they would give, or raised voices indicated we should stop doing this.

    But I just have a burning question to ask, do you get the best out of anyone, even adults when you raise your voice?  As I get older, I realise the answer is no.

    Want to read all about our Family Days Out? If you would like your attraction or business reviewed, send me an email with your idea for a collaboration

    Setting a good example 

    Collectively, we decided a while ago we wanted to avoid shouting around our little one (this isn’t always possible – please don’t think we or any other parent is perfect – there are still disagreements and sometimes raised voices).

    If we do shout, snap, or get frustrated, we talk about it together, with our little one. We say sorry and move on. And we have taught this lesson so effectively, our little one will come and apologise to us if she does something she knows she shouldn’t. Granted, it may take a while for her to walk away and come back. But she always comes back, eventually. And we try to mirror this example between ourselves.

    I really believe this technique is teaching her to resolve conflict herself and how she should appropriately do this. Also that no human being is perfect. If she does something and apologies when she doesn’t need to, we explain that even adults get things wrong sometimes and this isn’t something she needs to apologise for.  

    is gentle parenting effective

    Download this infographic

    Effective-ParentingDownload

    I’ve written another post, all about Gentle Parenting – check it out here

    Check out more tips & resources on my parenting page

    Come say hello on TikTok!

    Modelling behaviour 

    In order to calm a tantrum, we also do a breathing technique with her and one of us will take her out of the situation to calm down. I believe toddlers get very overwhelmed by their surroundings. This in itself could cause a meltdown. Hell, as an adult sometimes I get overwhelmed.

    They need help not frustration 

    Just think for a second about any situation you have ever resolved by shouting. Or being confrontational, or getting frustrated. I bet it is very few. Why then, do we get frustrated with toddlers? Surely we should be actively helping them handle emotions, especially when they don’t fully understand what is happening to them. They don’t have the capability or brain power to regulate themselves and will probably wonder why adults are also becoming frustrated.

    There are some other blog posts in the Gentle Parenting category – check them out here

    Parents are a guide 

    It’s a heavy burden to carry, but as parents, we are responsible for guiding our little ones. Whether we like it or not, how they develop now will also greatly impact their future lives. 

    Why it matters

    Positive experiences throughout childhood help to build healthy brains, while experiencing childhood trauma and abuse can harm a child’s brain development (Shonkoff et al, 2015).
    But our brains always have the potential to change and grow. It’s never too late to give a child or young person positive brain-building experiences.

    NSPCC.ORG

    Final thoughts 

    I was dubious about releasing this post. Simply because of my feelings when I first heard the term ‘gentle parenting’. We still have a lot to learn and our parenting style will never be perfect. But hopefully, we are setting a foundation to provide our little one with the tools she will need to thrive in life. 

    Keep an eye on my parenting resources page and my TikTok to follow our gentle parenting journey. I plan to share with you any resources we are using. 

    Any advice is also welcome – let us know in the comments below.

    is gentle parenting effective

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