Kids activities that parents can enjoy too

Hey readers, 

Sometimes the words 'will you play with me for me and a lot of other parents' be filled with dread. I don't do imaginary play and reading other people's experiences a lot of other parents too. 

However, I do enjoy some elements of 'play', and here are my top things that I do enjoy and take part in and I am going to share my ideas that are how to make playdough do for adults and children, check them out below. 

1. Colouring books. 

Help Teaching says you don't have to be a kid to enjoy colouring, it can be therapeutic and a nice way to spend time with your child by colouring in together. It is a calming activity and there is pressure to think outside of the box as it was so good to relax as a parent as well. 

2. Jigsaw puzzles. 

Jigsaw puzzles are a brilliant way to work together and deal with a problem and working out how to put the pieces together to form a picture. 

3. Video games.

Video games are a fun way to spend time with kids. I have a Nintendo switch as a family we love playing Mario Karts, it is fun and everyone has a laugh play together. 

4. Reading.

Not only is reading educational but it can be a fun activity to do together. Whether that be reading to the child, child reading to you, or both taking it in turns to read a story together is a lovely way to spend some quality time with your child. Reading Rockets has a brilliant list of different types of reading activities you can do with your child. 

5. Board games.

There are many board games out there and of course, age-related as well. So, going from my experience with a seven and nine-year-old I enjoy playing with my boys Monoply, buckaroo, card games, Uno, top trump, hungry hippos that kind of range is perfect to kill some time and spend some time on your child. 

I like board games because I enjoy them and they do not fill me with dread and looking at the clock because I don't have to make up things much prefer structural play. 

6. Baking.

Good to Know points out the beauty with baking is you don't have to make something complicated (though you can if you feel confident in doing so) but there are really simple baking you can do such as cookies but kids love being in the kitchen and helping out.

 Of course, the best bit for the child is licking the spoon but seriously they enjoy doing what adults doing. It is also fun and something you can do together to create something tasty. 

7. Drawing.

An activity that both my boys enjoy doing with me is drawing along videos on youtube where we all draw what the person is doing on their video whether it be animals, cartoon characters it is just a really fun way to do something together.

 It is also my kids sometimes struggle to know what to draw so draw along videos are perfect because you know what you are doing and don't get the feeling of being overwhelmed in thinking of something on the spot. 

Have I missed off any activities that as an adult you like to do with a child? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

How to deal with siblings squabbling.

Hey readers,

As a parent with two children, the constant squabbling at times between my boys can be really frustrating as a parent. At times you feel at a lost end that being said there are some methods that I think can help reduce the amount of sibling squabbling. Check out my ideas down below. 

1.  Make your kids feel important. 

It is important that each child gets to feel important. Make sure your child is being listened to and given attention. A good activity is to listen to your child listen or go somewhere quiet to have time on their own to talk about how they feel. Also, remind them that they are important to you. 

2. Focus on each child's needs. 

Making sure that your child's needs are met, a simple way to do this is by asking them what they need? It also gives them a chance to talk to you and to feel like they have been heard. If they want to do something in particular whether that is playing a game, going to a park, or even having certain toys in the bath. Make an agreement to do this so they get their special time and that helps reduce conflict as they are getting their needs meet even if it is something simple, it could mean the world to them. 

3. team work - together in the same team. 

Getting your children to work together in the same team so they can work together and know that they are on the same side. It could be playing a game on a console where they are competing against the parents so they can work together, It helps bring tensions down and have time together to have fun. 

4.  Hold hands.

This is a very effective method to stop siblings squabbling is to make your children sit on a sofa and hold hands, it didn't last long but they ended up laughing and breaking up the tension. Therefore when they next start arguing telling them they have to hold hands sure as hell cuts the arguing and they stop and so sort out the issue. 

5. Separate them. 

Sometimes it can work where you get them together other times for whatever reason it could be bothered overly tired at the end of the week you simply have to separate them and let them do their own thing. It helps defuse the situation and sometimes they just want some alone time especially if they are uber tired. 

6. Outside. 

I live in a flat on the 16th floor and though I am lucky to have quite a big balcony sometimes we just need to get out of the home and get some fresh air. My kids often especially at the weekend find burning off some of that used energy outside helpful, even if it is just scooting around the block. It breaks up the day and a change of scenery does everyone good. I always find that when I do this when getting home kids are much calmer and everyone is happier. 

Are there any methods that I have missed from the list that you have found beneficial in stopping siblings from squabbling? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 29/08/2021

A to Z of children's activities.

Hey readers,

Below I have the ultimate A to Z guide on all things children's activities related, so scroll down and feast your eyes on some fun activities. 

 A - arts and crafts.

B - bubbles.

C - cook.

D - dancing. 

E - exercise.

F - make forts.

G - walk on grass with your bare feet and feel the earth. 

H - help around the home.

I - freeze toys in water ice cubes.

J - jigsaws.

K - kids bored games.

 

L - lego challenge.

 

M - movie night.

N - nighttime glowing sensory bottles.

O - obstacle course.

P - playdoh.

Q - quiz.

R - reading. 

S - slime.

T - play tag in the park. 

U when it is raining go for a walk with an umbrella.

V - vegetable prints. 

W - write a story.

X - do a poem about items beginning with x.

Y - yoga.

Z - make zig-zag art with washi tape.

Cheers for reading X

**AD** Review of Wallace & Gromit Live Concert.

Hey readers,

It is the summer holiday at the moment and if you're looking for something to do then you need to consider watching Wallace & Gromit In concert at the Edinburgh Festival online. 

Carrot production has teamed up with the award-winning Aardman to bring you Wallace & Gromit In Concert. This is perfect for all the family to enjoy and having an orchestra adds something a bit different to the normal cartoon format. 

Did you know that Wallace & Gromit 30 minute animation film is one of the most successful films ever! Not only that but Aardman also created brilliant shows such as creature comforts, chicken run, and Shaun the Sheep. 

My boys love Wallace & Gromit cartoons and we watched a recorded version of the show and they were really interested in it. I say it is perfect for a late afternoon evening time as it is 1 hour and 18 minutes. It is lively but it is relaxing at the same time if that makes sense. 

Another good thing about watching the show at home is you can break anytime and have toilet breaks which are important when you have children. 

Not only is there an amazing live orchestra they play fun classics such as Bohemian Rhapsody which both my boys love Queen so they really enjoyed hearing that. 

I would say it is suited for 5 upwards mainly cause of the association. I liked the fact that orchestra members dressed up in Wallace & Gromit costumes where it is cheese, Shaun the sheep, or Lady Campanula to name a few. 

Not only is the show orchestra music there are classic clips in between the music making it fun with the story and coming together as a live performance.

 Matthew Sharp is an internationally renowned musician, actor, and performer and he really helps bring the show to life with musical performances and humour to get all the family smiling. 

In 2019 a the popular Snow Man live orchestra show produced by Carrot Production also brought the Wallace & Gromit The Wrong Trousers production as well which was successful up and down the country. 

Sadly due to the show being cancelled during 2020 due to the pandemic, it means that a lot of people missed out on the performance, including different countries. 

However, 2021 brings the return of the multi-awarded Wallace & Gromit live show which will be on-demand from 6-30 August 2021. The show is available online and on-demand including in BSL and audio description format. 

To book tickets for the online show of Wallace & Gromit The Wrong Trousers live orchestra at Edinburgh Fringe Festival click here. The cost of the tickets is £15.00 full price or a concession at £13.00 and this is an online event meaning you can watch it from the comfort of your own home. 

Also if you are interested in The Snowman Live they are doing shows later in the year so you can book tickets now here. I was lucky enough to be gifted some tickets in 2019 for me and my family to check out The Snowman live and you can check out my review on my blog here.

Cheers for reading X

I was gifted tickets in exchange for a review of Wallace & Gromit Live Concert. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

My Sunday Photo 22/08/2021

 

Sometimes it is the small things that make life great!

Things you lose when you become a parent

Hey readers,

When they say your whole life turns upside down when you have children they ain't fucking lying that is for sure. You can kiss your old carefree life goodbye because everything that belongs to your owns is tangible or intangible you have lost and now is the sole owner of your little darlings.

Let's hit hard and go for ideals - somewhere amongst the deprived sleep days of your newborn you lose a part of you and it can be hard to be found. Nothing makes sense anymore, you lose your shit and you will learn the art of negotiation.

 Being the perfect earth mother that you so desired during pregnancy failed badly. All you care about now is being masterful in the art of bribe just so you can get some peace even though you probably spend hours after with guilt and dealt.

Anything within eye level has official gone when they start walking.  I suggest hiding everything that is precious to you under lock and key. These young 'uns have the skills to find anything they want, the more desperate you are not to let them get it the more they will find a way to sniff it out!

All my stationery is destroyed, used, dried up or vanished in the darkest depths of their bedroom. I was deluded in thinking that if I give them my 'posh' fine liners I could sip a cup of tea and then be presented with lids at a later day. In actual fact, I just gone and lost my beautiful pens, chewed to death, god dame it.

The idea is that you pretend you look alright and asking your four-year-old what they think of your outfit. The boy is brutal in honesty, "mummy you have a big bum and you look a bit like the wolf in the three pigs". Don't ever be deluded and pretend you think you look like them as they will bring you back to reality with a hard bump.!

A quiet time where you can watch your programmes, I suggest completely forget it. The child will win hands and down and will take full reigns. 

Forget watching any of your favourite programmes with kids around or learn to read the subtitles but still have the problem of them conveniently being magnetised to the screen and standing there for ages for no other reason than to annoy the crap out of you.

Have you lost anything now that you are a parent? Love to hear your thoughts n the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

Happiness is....

Hey readers,

There are moments in life that are so simple but make you so dame happy. In this post, I have made a list of the things that I think mean happiness.  

Happiness is...

* Having an early night and a real good sleep, making you feel or refreshed and ready to go in the morning.

*  Kicking autumn leaves as you walk on by.

*  When you have had a long day out of the home and you return in the evening with a lovely hot, fresh brew. 

*  When you find that quid in your pocket that you so desperately need.

*  Having a hot bath and getting into fresh sheets 🛀

*  When your husband lets you have a lie-in.

* Not having to rush about in the morning, having a slow day.

*  Not behaving mummy guilt and feeling confident about parenting.

*  Having lots of ideas for your blog

*  Getting your nails painted perfect the first time around.

*  Hearing a song on the radio that will take you back. 

*  Racing someone into the ocean. 

*  Is out 3am conversations.

*  Is advice when you most need it. 

* Resting after an epic meal. 

* Is finding that song, that perfect song. 

* Wearing a jumper in autumn. 

*  Washed sheets.

*  Simply staying at home. 

*  Taking control of your own happiness. 

* Not giving a shit what people think of you. 

*  Getting that perfect sleep. 

*  Watching the sunrise whilst sipping on a coffee. 

*  Floating in the sea. 

*  The smell of earth after a rain pour. 

*  The first cup of coffee in the morning.

* Making a list of things and then makes your head feel clearer.

*  A cool breeze on a summer's night.

*  Sitting on the beach watching the waves.

*  Feet on the grass in the summer. 

*  When reality beats your expectations. 

*  When you feel fine. 

* Thinking happy thoughts. 

*  Blowing a dandelion. 

* A morning walk. 

*  First tracks on fresh snow. 

  * Going to sleep straight away. 

*  Is a lazy day. 

*  Getting home just before it rains. 

*  A new stack of library books unread.

*  Is a good mug of tea and a book.

*  Is unconditional love.

*  Is feeling good. 

*  Thinking happy thoughts. 

*   Seeing an elderly couple hold hands.

*  A new laptop.

*  Good music and a workout. 

*  Being snug as a bug in a rug. 

*  No cooking, no cleaning, no laundry.

*  Letting go of your worries. 

*  Being comfortable with a decision. 

*  Realising that you don't need to worry about the thing that was worrying you.

*  Reading a quotation and thinking "Yes exactly."

*   Knowing you made a difference. 

*  Getting a handwritten letter. 

*  Relaxing after a long day.

*  Waking up to a fresh new day.

*  Listening to the rain at night in bed. 

What do you think of my list of happiness? Is there anything that I have missed from the list? love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 15/08/2021

 

The boys enjoyed going to the cinema to watch Around the World in 80 Days. 

What to put in a care package.

Hey readers,

Sometimes it can be hard to meet people that you care about physically due to time, commitments etc.  So a good way to show a friend or relative that you are thinking about them is by sending a care package.

What is a care package?

A care package is basically a package of things that are useful or something that the person enjoys. It is carefully packaged in a box. This box can be decorated with a personal touch and send them a box to their home address in the post. 

You tend to not tell the receiver that you are sending it as it is a nice surprise for them to receive in the post. This can bring joy to them as it shows that you are thinking of them. 

You can buy prepacked care packages on the internet but making your own care package yourself is much better at tailoring to their needs. It also feels a lot more special and gives the idea that you have thought about how to bring it all together for that specific person.

Below I have 55 item ideals that may inspire you, Of course, you don't have to put all these in.  It could simply be five items, whatever you do I am sure the receiver will be grateful for the kind gesture to show them you care. 

55 item ideas to put in a care package. 

1. New flavour coffee/tea. 

2. Fluffy socks. 

3. A book.

4. A facemask. 

5.  A mix cd of your favourite songs. 

6. Cookies.

7. Alcohol.

8. Magazines.

9. Eye facemask.

10. A mug. 

11. Cacti.

12. Popcorn.

13. A card.

14. A postcard. 

15. Colourful straw to put in the box. 

16. A foot mask.

17. Lip palm such as these juice box lip balm set from Claire's.

18. Hand sanitiser.

19. Keyring. 

20. Nuts.

21. Bathbomb.

22. A candle. 

23. Wax melts.

24. Bath salts. 

25. A friendship bracelet.

26. Incense sticks. 

27.  A small water bottle. 

28. Sunflower seeds. 

29. Puzzle books.

 

30. Letters.

31. Photos.

32. Sweets. 

33. Face mask. 

34. Pens.

35. Soap.

36. Pop-it.

37. Facial roller. 

38. Head massager.

39. A stress ball.

40. Makeup.

41. Pin badge.

42. Laptop sticker.

43. Bookmark.

44. Jigsaw puzzle.

45.  A crossword book.

46.  Colouring book.

47. Colouring pencils. 

48. Personalised message in a bottle. 

49. Self-care book.

50. Paint by numbers. 

51. Baking kit.

52. Spiral art like this one for example from Hobby Craft.

53. Photoframe.

54. Sharie pen set like this set below from Tesco.

55.  Wall art. 

What do you think about my list of items to put in a care package? Have I missed anything out? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 08/08/2021

 

How to keep cool at home in the summer.

Hey readers, 

It is summertime which means that rooms can become hot in your home so here are some tips on ways to cool down your home.

 1. Close the curtains.

If you have pale-colored curtains then it is better to close them during the day to stop heat from coming in. However if you have dark curtains and metal blinds it is best not to keep them closed as it will make the room hotter.  

It is recommended by nidirect to keep windows closed if it is hotter outside than inside during the day. As temperatures drop during the night, it is advised to open the windows to let air circulate in the room. 

2. Bowl of water in front of the fan.

A really good hack to cool down in the heat is to put a bowl of ice in front of a table fan. When the ice melts, the fan will blow cooler air towards you. It is important to be close to the fan to get the benefit of this method. 

3. Chose cotton.

Cotton is one of the best materials to wear during the summer period. The benefits of wearing cotton are it is cheap. It is available but also the fact that cotton is soft, light, breathable, and helps soak up sweat, allowing heat to leave the body and make you feel cooler. 

4. Hot water bottle.

Put a hot water bottle in the freezer about half an hour before bed and then take it out and place it on the bed. Best to keep a sheet between you and the bottle as you don't want to get frostbite. It is great and giving you some cool relieve when it is hot in the room and can help cool you down ready to go to sleep. 

5. The floor. 

When it is really difficult to sleep it may be worth considering to take your pillow and sleep on the floor or even better to go downstairs if that option is available for you. 

Huffington Post says the reason behind this suggestion to sleep on the floor is simply that heat rises so sleeping on the floor means you get a cooler sleeping experience.

 Also consider having sheets instead of a quilt as it is lighter and won't hold the warmth as much, making it a much more comfortable feeling. 

6. Have the shower warm.

Though you might think it is better to have a cold shower to keep cool it is better in fact to have a warm shower. Though when first having a warm shower will feel warm compared to a cold shower after a few minutes will provide better comfort in the long run 

7. Keep hydrated. 

It is important to make sure that you are getting enough drink inside of you. Getting enough fluid is key in keeping your heart health in good condition so that it can help the heart move easily when pumping blood through the blood vessels and then on to your muscles.

Another key factor why you need to make sure your drinking more during summer is that you are sweating more (as a direct response in keeping us cool) there you need to replace the lost fluid to help keep you cool. 

Have I missed anything that you think is important to keep your home? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday

Why being a parent rocks!

Hey readers,

I am sure know by now that I am a parent of two boys who are 7 and 9. So I have a go at this whole parenting malarky for a bit and today I am going to focus on the positives and reasons why being a parent rocks!

1. Recreates childhood joys.

A beautiful element of parenting is recreating the childhood joys that you had as a child. For me for example it is getting a Mr frosty ice maker. Watching my children have the same amount of fun I got from using it when I was a child. 

It could be playing paper, rock, and scissors and always makes me smile and think of me being a child. Another classic kind of thing would be to watch a cartoon that you watched a child and rewatch it with your own children such as The Chuckle Brothers and Futurama. 

2. Having children makes you a better person. 

When you have children you have to focus on your children's needs first and being less selfish. I also think having children makes me more understanding and emphatic. This is particularly true when I see others parents out and about having a rough time. 

I am not the most patient person but I definitely think it has made me more so when having children and having to give extra time to get ready and out the door. 

3. Adding sense of purpose.

I think as an adult it can be hard at times to find meaningful things in life. One thing is for sure once you have children there is a sense of purpose. 

Bringing up children to be responsible and independent is a big goal for parents because you want them to be good adult in later life. When they are young making sure they are cared for, fed, loved, and educated all helps in shaping them into the person they will become as an adult and this is a big priority as a parent to focus on.  

4. Excuse getting out of things.

This next point is definitely one of the best because you can literally get out of anything and blame the kids haha. It comes in very handy on the dark winter days when you want to stay at home and snuggle. 

5. Watching a miniature version of yourself.

I don't know whether watching a miniature version of yourself is a blessing or a curse, lol. Jokes aside when you see features in them that you have is lovely such as seeing my youngest enjoy reading books much like myself. 

6. Focus. 

Having children gives you more focus on what is really important. Happiness and memories are much more important than materialistic objects (though to some extend are important such as a roof over your head).  Watching children having fun and not be bothered about the big stuff just makes you realise what is important. 

7. Laughter.

One of the most beautiful sounds in the world is hearing children laugh and to have laughter in the home is a blessing. 

8. Unconditional love.

Once you have experienced unconditional love from your children then there is no other experience that can top that. To be accepted fully for who you are is something that should be cherished. 

What do you think of my list of reasons why parenting rocks? Have I missed any points of the list that you think are good reasons why parenting is good? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X