Family Natters

This free short story of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot is in a big enough font to look good on a school teacher’s smart or interactive whiteboard, or for a parent to read with a child.  This version has language and ideas suitable for children aged 4 to 7 (Reception and KS1).
Click here for Free story of Guy […]

This free short story of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot is in a big enough font to look good on a school teacher’s smart or interactive whiteboard.  This version has language and ideas suitable for children aged 8 to 11 (Keystage 2).  It explains the history and significance of Bonfire Night and fireworks.
Click here for a  suitable for children […]

There is always a reason why a child misbehaves.  Some common reasons are:

tiredness

changes to routine

hunger

parent’s new carer

moving home

changes in the weather

difficulties in friendships

illness (including incubation period)

excitement

boredom or being confined to one activity for too long

perceived lack of attention

tension within the family; divorce or separation of parents

illness or death of a family member or friend

remarriage of […]

There are lots of good reasons to play outdoor games with your children.  It exercises them and so prevents obesity, it teaches them about rules and social skills, they love having your attention… and it’s fun!  Here are some ideas to get you started: 
 Hide and Seek: The person who is on closes their eyes and counts to 20 […]

There are 2 ways you can help your child to stay slim or tackle obesity: exercise and a healthy diet.   It may be obvious but an increasing number of parents are finding its an issue, so here are some ideas on exercise.
Exercise

be a good role model by exercising yourself and letting your child see you
try […]

So, what can you expect to happen in  portage group sessions? I found a great feeling of community in meeting other families that had children who needed a little help.  Typically there is also:

a welcome routine and singing familiar rhymes
a creative activity
snack time (when all the children sit down and if they wish have a […]

Portage is a council provided service whereby child professionals can work with parents to develop children’s skills. Normally, a child is referred to portage by a health visitor or doctor because there is a possibility the child may benefit from some help. Being referred is nothing to worry about at all. […]

If you are anaemic, want to be healthy or lose weight, this is the recipe for you.  It’s so tasty that James and I have been known to fight over the final helping.

Ingredients

2 bags or bunches of watercress

1 medium onion

2 chicken stock cubes

2 oz butter

1 tablespoon flour

1/4 pint milk

optional cream to garnish

 
Method

Chop the onion and sweat […]

Some children have lax (hyperextendable joints). They may have been born with Downs Syndrome or have had a brain haemorrhage like Annie did. Or it may be just in their genes.
Before the doctor told me Annie had lax joints I had been worried. She hadn’t wanted to walk and her feet were curling […]

Baby/ toddler seats mounted on the back of adult bikes mean mum or dad can get some much needed exercise and fresh air with the little one in toe. I find mine useful for going to and from mother and toddlers, school and the local park. Most importantly, a short trip out stops me from […]