I love Christmas. It's an amazing time where we can all feel like a child again; the anticipation of the presents under the tree, the decoration, even the gaudy lights.

When you actually have children, it somehow seems even more magical. Christmas steps up a level.

Before kids, we used to have a fun-filled Christmas, but it generally involved office parties, too much punch, and Boxing Day blues.

After kids, Christmas is different.

I love Christmas. It's an amazing time where we can all feel like a child again; the anticipation of the presents under the tree, the decoration, even the gaudy lights.

When you actually have children, it somehow seems even more magical. Christmas steps up a level.

Before kids, we used to have a fun-filled Christmas, but it generally involved office parties, too much punch, and Boxing Day blues.

After kids, Christmas is different.

I love Christmas. It's an amazing time where we can all feel like a child again; the anticipation of the presents under the tree, the decoration, even the gaudy lights.

When you actually have children, it somehow seems even more magical. Christmas steps up a level.

Before kids, we used to have a fun-filled Christmas, but it generally involved office parties, too much punch, and Boxing Day blues.

After kids, Christmas is different.

I love Christmas. It's an amazing time where we can all feel like a child again; the anticipation of the presents under the tree, the decoration, even the gaudy lights.

When you actually have children, it somehow seems even more magical. Christmas steps up a level.

Before kids, we used to have a fun-filled Christmas, but it generally involved office parties, too much punch, and Boxing Day blues.

After kids, Christmas is different.

I have written on my blog about how no one tells you how patience with kids is a whole different ball game  - patience should be a new word in any parenting dictionary... 

It seems to me that there is some form of barrier in a toddler's head - between the words leaving my mouth and entering their head...they dissolve.... 

It's not that they haven't heard, its just that they either don't want to do it, aren't really ready to do it now, or quite frankly think doing it is a blooming silly idea. 

So here are three top tips for keeping your patience with your kids:

I have written on my blog about how no one tells you how patience with kids is a whole different ball game  - patience should be a new word in any parenting dictionary... 

It seems to me that there is some form of barrier in a toddler's head - between the words leaving my mouth and entering their head...they dissolve.... 

It's not that they haven't heard, its just that they either don't want to do it, aren't really ready to do it now, or quite frankly think doing it is a blooming silly idea. 

So here are three top tips for keeping your patience with your kids:

I have written on my blog about how no one tells you how patience with kids is a whole different ball game  - patience should be a new word in any parenting dictionary... 

It seems to me that there is some form of barrier in a toddler's head - between the words leaving my mouth and entering their head...they dissolve.... 

It's not that they haven't heard, its just that they either don't want to do it, aren't really ready to do it now, or quite frankly think doing it is a blooming silly idea. 

So here are three top tips for keeping your patience with your kids:

I have written on my blog about how no one tells you how patience with kids is a whole different ball game  - patience should be a new word in any parenting dictionary... 

It seems to me that there is some form of barrier in a toddler's head - between the words leaving my mouth and entering their head...they dissolve.... 

It's not that they haven't heard, its just that they either don't want to do it, aren't really ready to do it now, or quite frankly think doing it is a blooming silly idea. 

So here are three top tips for keeping your patience with your kids:

Being a parent is NOT easy. People know that. Kids don't come with instruction manuals and god knows I wish mine had. Though if they had, I am sure I wouldn't have had quite so many laughs in the last seven years while I tried to work them out. 

I often wish I knew where my little boy kept his batteries sometimes so I could "turn him off" just for a bit. Or at least for as long as it takes me to sit down and have a nice quiet drink...

Being a parent is NOT easy. People know that. Kids don't come with instruction manuals and god knows I wish mine had. Though if they had, I am sure I wouldn't have had quite so many laughs in the last seven years while I tried to work them out. 

I often wish I knew where my little boy kept his batteries sometimes so I could "turn him off" just for a bit. Or at least for as long as it takes me to sit down and have a nice quiet drink...

Being a parent is NOT easy. People know that. Kids don't come with instruction manuals and god knows I wish mine had. Though if they had, I am sure I wouldn't have had quite so many laughs in the last seven years while I tried to work them out. 

I often wish I knew where my little boy kept his batteries sometimes so I could "turn him off" just for a bit. Or at least for as long as it takes me to sit down and have a nice quiet drink...

Being a parent is NOT easy. People know that. Kids don't come with instruction manuals and god knows I wish mine had. Though if they had, I am sure I wouldn't have had quite so many laughs in the last seven years while I tried to work them out. 

I often wish I knew where my little boy kept his batteries sometimes so I could "turn him off" just for a bit. Or at least for as long as it takes me to sit down and have a nice quiet drink...

I wrote a post on my own blog this week about one of my main potty training tips - trying NOT to turn it into a competition. However, that's admirable advice, if I do say so myself...but how are you actually supposed to deal with the mum that says their 18 month old was trained before she was 2 days old?!?

I wrote a post on my own blog this week about one of my main potty training tips - trying NOT to turn it into a competition. However, that's admirable advice, if I do say so myself...but how are you actually supposed to deal with the mum that says their 18 month old was trained before she was 2 days old?!?

I wrote a post on my own blog this week about one of my main potty training tips - trying NOT to turn it into a competition. However, that's admirable advice, if I do say so myself...but how are you actually supposed to deal with the mum that says their 18 month old was trained before she was 2 days old?!?

I wrote a post on my own blog this week about one of my main potty training tips - trying NOT to turn it into a competition. However, that's admirable advice, if I do say so myself...but how are you actually supposed to deal with the mum that says their 18 month old was trained before she was 2 days old?!?

Before I had my kids, I read Gina Ford, Tracy Hogg, Super Nanny, Super Girl, "Mum who got them to do EXACTLY what they wanted to", and Woman's Own...

Well, perhaps not all of these, but you get the picture. I read a lot of stuff.

Before I had my kids, I read Gina Ford, Tracy Hogg, Super Nanny, Super Girl, "Mum who got them to do EXACTLY what they wanted to", and Woman's Own...

Well, perhaps not all of these, but you get the picture. I read a lot of stuff.

Before I had my kids, I read Gina Ford, Tracy Hogg, Super Nanny, Super Girl, "Mum who got them to do EXACTLY what they wanted to", and Woman's Own...

Well, perhaps not all of these, but you get the picture. I read a lot of stuff.

Before I had my kids, I read Gina Ford, Tracy Hogg, Super Nanny, Super Girl, "Mum who got them to do EXACTLY what they wanted to", and Woman's Own...

Well, perhaps not all of these, but you get the picture. I read a lot of stuff.

Sometimes they just won't listen to us. But be assured that we all struggle to get our children to listen to what we are saying to them; and to act on it the first time, and not the 50th time we ask them....

But why won't they actually listen to you...how many of you have actually asked yourself that when you start berated them because they haven't done what you wanted?

Before we condemn them for just not behaving properly, let's just remember how young they are and what might actually be going on here...

Sometimes they just won't listen to us. But be assured that we all struggle to get our children to listen to what we are saying to them; and to act on it the first time, and not the 50th time we ask them....

But why won't they actually listen to you...how many of you have actually asked yourself that when you start berated them because they haven't done what you wanted?

Before we condemn them for just not behaving properly, let's just remember how young they are and what might actually be going on here...

Sometimes they just won't listen to us. But be assured that we all struggle to get our children to listen to what we are saying to them; and to act on it the first time, and not the 50th time we ask them....

But why won't they actually listen to you...how many of you have actually asked yourself that when you start berated them because they haven't done what you wanted?

Before we condemn them for just not behaving properly, let's just remember how young they are and what might actually be going on here...

Sometimes they just won't listen to us. But be assured that we all struggle to get our children to listen to what we are saying to them; and to act on it the first time, and not the 50th time we ask them....

But why won't they actually listen to you...how many of you have actually asked yourself that when you start berated them because they haven't done what you wanted?

Before we condemn them for just not behaving properly, let's just remember how young they are and what might actually be going on here...

So it's all over - the wonderful Olympic summer drew to a close over the weekend with another epic day and a closing ceremony that I think we can be proud of.
But what of the Olympic legacy? Will it continue to affect the lives of us and our children in weeks, months and years to come?

How has it affected your household?

It's had a wonderful effect in ours.

So it's all over - the wonderful Olympic summer drew to a close over the weekend with another epic day and a closing ceremony that I think we can be proud of.
But what of the Olympic legacy? Will it continue to affect the lives of us and our children in weeks, months and years to come?

How has it affected your household?

It's had a wonderful effect in ours.

So it's all over - the wonderful Olympic summer drew to a close over the weekend with another epic day and a closing ceremony that I think we can be proud of.
But what of the Olympic legacy? Will it continue to affect the lives of us and our children in weeks, months and years to come?

How has it affected your household?

It's had a wonderful effect in ours.

So it's all over - the wonderful Olympic summer drew to a close over the weekend with another epic day and a closing ceremony that I think we can be proud of.
But what of the Olympic legacy? Will it continue to affect the lives of us and our children in weeks, months and years to come?

How has it affected your household?

It's had a wonderful effect in ours.

I have been through starting school two years in a row; Stuntboy and Chatterbox are over 18 months apart, but just one school year. That meant I lost both my babies at the school gate within a whisker of each other. I have learnt a thing or two in the last two years, so here are a few tips to make that transition from pre-school to reception that little bit easier for everyone. Keep it low key; If you build up school to be this "big thing" then your child may be more likely to be a bit scared of it all. Yes, it's different, but it's not something to mention everyday for the week before they go. If you are relaxed about it, they will be too Try not to get too emotional in front of them; I know how hard it is to see them go. Believe you me, I have been there. But try not to let them see you are sad about it if you can help it. Children are mighty clever at picking up on our emotions. So the more chilled you are; the more they will be Read to them about it; If you have a child that loves reading,...

I have been through starting school two years in a row; Stuntboy and Chatterbox are over 18 months apart, but just one school year. That meant I lost both my babies at the school gate within a whisker of each other. I have learnt a thing or two in the last two years, so here are a few tips to make that transition from pre-school to reception that little bit easier for everyone. Keep it low key; If you build up school to be this "big thing" then your child may be more likely to be a bit scared of it all. Yes, it's different, but it's not something to mention everyday for the week before they go. If you are relaxed about it, they will be too Try not to get too emotional in front of them; I know how hard it is to see them go. Believe you me, I have been there. But try not to let them see you are sad about it if you can help it. Children are mighty clever at picking up on our emotions. So the more chilled you are; the more they will be Read to them about it; If you have a child that loves reading,...

I have been through starting school two years in a row; Stuntboy and Chatterbox are over 18 months apart, but just one school year. That meant I lost both my babies at the school gate within a whisker of each other. I have learnt a thing or two in the last two years, so here are a few tips to make that transition from pre-school to reception that little bit easier for everyone. Keep it low key; If you build up school to be this "big thing" then your child may be more likely to be a bit scared of it all. Yes, it's different, but it's not something to mention everyday for the week before they go. If you are relaxed about it, they will be too Try not to get too emotional in front of them; I know how hard it is to see them go. Believe you me, I have been there. But try not to let them see you are sad about it if you can help it. Children are mighty clever at picking up on our emotions. So the more chilled you are; the more they will be Read to them about it; If you have a child that loves reading,...

I have been through starting school two years in a row; Stuntboy and Chatterbox are over 18 months apart, but just one school year. That meant I lost both my babies at the school gate within a whisker of each other. I have learnt a thing or two in the last two years, so here are a few tips to make that transition from pre-school to reception that little bit easier for everyone. Keep it low key; If you build up school to be this "big thing" then your child may be more likely to be a bit scared of it all. Yes, it's different, but it's not something to mention everyday for the week before they go. If you are relaxed about it, they will be too Try not to get too emotional in front of them; I know how hard it is to see them go. Believe you me, I have been there. But try not to let them see you are sad about it if you can help it. Children are mighty clever at picking up on our emotions. So the more chilled you are; the more they will be Read to them about it; If you have a child that loves reading,...

It's the summer holidays, and everyone is getting on each other's nerves. The amount of whining a parent can take is fairly limited anyway. Someone should start using that sound as a deadly weapon. It would bring anyone to their knees....Patience is in short supply, and as we are approaching a month in, we are perhaps running out of new and exciting things to do with the children that don't mean we have to take out a second mortgage.As tempers fray, and the level of chaos increases, and your children aren't doing what you ask; stop for a moment....Remember the age of your child and what they are and aren't capable of doing.For example, younger toddlers don't understand "sharing" or "turns." Five or even six year olds struggle to empathise with others, so if you are upset that you are doing everything and not getting any help, your little one won't see the situation from your point of view so won't get why you are upset.And that's where we differ, us mums and dads. We CAN see things from our child's point of view...

It's the summer holidays, and everyone is getting on each other's nerves. The amount of whining a parent can take is fairly limited anyway. Someone should start using that sound as a deadly weapon. It would bring anyone to their knees....Patience is in short supply, and as we are approaching a month in, we are perhaps running out of new and exciting things to do with the children that don't mean we have to take out a second mortgage.As tempers fray, and the level of chaos increases, and your children aren't doing what you ask; stop for a moment....Remember the age of your child and what they are and aren't capable of doing.For example, younger toddlers don't understand "sharing" or "turns." Five or even six year olds struggle to empathise with others, so if you are upset that you are doing everything and not getting any help, your little one won't see the situation from your point of view so won't get why you are upset.And that's where we differ, us mums and dads. We CAN see things from our child's point of view...

It's the summer holidays, and everyone is getting on each other's nerves. The amount of whining a parent can take is fairly limited anyway. Someone should start using that sound as a deadly weapon. It would bring anyone to their knees....Patience is in short supply, and as we are approaching a month in, we are perhaps running out of new and exciting things to do with the children that don't mean we have to take out a second mortgage.As tempers fray, and the level of chaos increases, and your children aren't doing what you ask; stop for a moment....Remember the age of your child and what they are and aren't capable of doing.For example, younger toddlers don't understand "sharing" or "turns." Five or even six year olds struggle to empathise with others, so if you are upset that you are doing everything and not getting any help, your little one won't see the situation from your point of view so won't get why you are upset.And that's where we differ, us mums and dads. We CAN see things from our child's point of view...

It's the summer holidays, and everyone is getting on each other's nerves. The amount of whining a parent can take is fairly limited anyway. Someone should start using that sound as a deadly weapon. It would bring anyone to their knees....Patience is in short supply, and as we are approaching a month in, we are perhaps running out of new and exciting things to do with the children that don't mean we have to take out a second mortgage.As tempers fray, and the level of chaos increases, and your children aren't doing what you ask; stop for a moment....Remember the age of your child and what they are and aren't capable of doing.For example, younger toddlers don't understand "sharing" or "turns." Five or even six year olds struggle to empathise with others, so if you are upset that you are doing everything and not getting any help, your little one won't see the situation from your point of view so won't get why you are upset.And that's where we differ, us mums and dads. We CAN see things from our child's point of view...

This week my daughter really made me sit up and take note. 

She said, "Mummy, why can I not shout when you do it?"

This week my daughter really made me sit up and take note. 

She said, "Mummy, why can I not shout when you do it?"

This week my daughter really made me sit up and take note. 

She said, "Mummy, why can I not shout when you do it?"

This week my daughter really made me sit up and take note. 

She said, "Mummy, why can I not shout when you do it?"

We've all been there... having to entertain the kids in the rain.

It's one of the most challenging things to achieve when you are a parent... how do you get your child so tired that they will sleep that evening and not keep disturbing you while you have your nice glass of red at the end of a long day...

We've all been there... having to entertain the kids in the rain.

It's one of the most challenging things to achieve when you are a parent... how do you get your child so tired that they will sleep that evening and not keep disturbing you while you have your nice glass of red at the end of a long day...

We've all been there... having to entertain the kids in the rain.

It's one of the most challenging things to achieve when you are a parent... how do you get your child so tired that they will sleep that evening and not keep disturbing you while you have your nice glass of red at the end of a long day...

We've all been there... having to entertain the kids in the rain.

It's one of the most challenging things to achieve when you are a parent... how do you get your child so tired that they will sleep that evening and not keep disturbing you while you have your nice glass of red at the end of a long day...

We all dread it.

Some of us put it off for as long as possible.

But we all have to do it.

Potty training can turn into every parent's nightmare as their little ones stubbornly refuse to use the potty.

Parents can end up having to change clothes faster than they can wash them, or even worse their little darlings manage to spoil the carpet in their mother-in-laws immaculately kept house....

We all dread it.

Some of us put it off for as long as possible.

But we all have to do it.

Potty training can turn into every parent's nightmare as their little ones stubbornly refuse to use the potty.

Parents can end up having to change clothes faster than they can wash them, or even worse their little darlings manage to spoil the carpet in their mother-in-laws immaculately kept house....

We all dread it.

Some of us put it off for as long as possible.

But we all have to do it.

Potty training can turn into every parent's nightmare as their little ones stubbornly refuse to use the potty.

Parents can end up having to change clothes faster than they can wash them, or even worse their little darlings manage to spoil the carpet in their mother-in-laws immaculately kept house....

We all dread it.

Some of us put it off for as long as possible.

But we all have to do it.

Potty training can turn into every parent's nightmare as their little ones stubbornly refuse to use the potty.

Parents can end up having to change clothes faster than they can wash them, or even worse their little darlings manage to spoil the carpet in their mother-in-laws immaculately kept house....