Journalist Book
A lifestyle blog
The shape of the school day has remained more or less unchanged for over a century. A bell rings at the start, lessons are blocked into roughly equal pieces, and another bell rings at the end. For many children, this works well enough. For others, the rigid structure quietly erodes their well-being in ways that …
The world a child is growing into is more interconnected than any previous generation has known. Helping children understand and appreciate different cultures and traditions is no longer an optional extra. It is part of preparing them to live well in a diverse, complex society and to bring curiosity rather than wariness to people whose …
Music has been part of childhood for as long as there has been childhood. The benefits of learning an instrument, however, are easier to feel than to articulate, and easier to underestimate than to truly appreciate. Children who start an instrument young and who stick with it through the inevitable patches of resistance gain something …
Life rarely runs in a straight line, and children feel the bumps as keenly as adults do, sometimes more so. A move to a new home, a change of school, the arrival of a sibling, the loss of a grandparent, or a shift in family circumstances can all leave a child quietly reeling, even when …
Maths is one of the subjects most likely to provoke a fixed mindset in children. Either they get it, or they don’t, runs the unspoken assumption, and once a child has decided which camp they are in, that view can be remarkably difficult to shift. Helping a child develop a growth mindset around maths, where …
Patience is one of those quiet virtues that rarely gets celebrated and yet shapes almost every part of life. The child who can wait for a turn at the swings becomes the teenager who can revise steadily for an exam, who in turn becomes the adult who can save for a house, finish a long …
There is a particular kind of attention that children pay to the outdoors. A wide-eyed examination of a worm on a path. The careful tracing of bark on a tree trunk. The slow concentration involved in trying to balance on a low wall. These small moments are not just pleasant. They are some of the …
Your home should be a sanctuary from the chaos of daily life. Proper storage is actually a key element in bringing a little peace into the home. When you invest time in finding good storage solutions, you can soon create a more harmonious atmosphere. Here’s how: Reducing Clutter It is quite common for clutter to …
When it comes to organising a family celebration, from milestone birthdays and anniversaries to christenings and reunions, the venue is one of the most important decisions you will make. Although many people are tempted by far-flung destinations or large, impersonal venues, there are distinct advantages to choosing somewhere closer to home. Opting for local spaces …
Good study habits are essential for every child’s academic journey, but developing them takes time, encouragement, and consistency. As parents, we play an important role in shaping how our children approach learning, and small changes at home can make a big difference to their motivation and success. Creating the Right Environment The first step to …
In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, education is about more than just achieving top grades. While academic success remains important, schools and parents are increasingly recognising the value of a holistic education – one that nurtures the whole child, including their emotional, social, and creative development. Beyond Exam Results A holistic approach ensures that pupils …
In recent years, Forest School has become an increasingly popular approach to learning, praised for its ability to enrich children’s education in unique and meaningful ways. Rooted in outdoor, child-centred experiences, Forest School goes beyond the traditional classroom to nurture curiosity, confidence, and resilience in pupils of all ages. A Hands-On Learning Experience Forest School …
The school day may end in the afternoon, but for many children, their energy levels are only just getting started. Parents often find that once their child returns home, they seem to have a second burst of energy, making it difficult to balance relaxation, homework, and family time. Managing after-school energy effectively is important to …
It’s not always easy to see your child struggling at school—whether academically, socially or emotionally. You may feel frustrated or helpless, but your support can make a huge difference. By staying engaged, communicating effectively, and working with your child’s school, you can help them navigate challenges and rebuild confidence. Spot the Signs Early Some children …
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in helping children grow into confident, capable, and emotionally resilient individuals. Rather than focusing on punishment for unwanted behaviours, positive reinforcement encourages the repetition of good behaviour through rewards, praise, and attention. Used consistently and appropriately, it can support everything from learning and social skills to emotional well-being. What …
In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, nurturing a positive approach to learning is more important than ever. A growth mindset – the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, practice and perseverance – can transform how a child approaches challenges, setbacks and successes. Here’s how you can support your child in developing …
Having bad credit is not the end of the world; however, it can be a frustrating financial problem affecting other aspects of your life. From paying high interest rates on debt to facing a higher chance of rejection when trying to borrow money, bad credit can bring in a heap of problems for you to …
Running a home-based business can be a great way to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams while enjoying the flexibility and convenience of working from home. However, as your business grows, you may find that you need to expand beyond the confines of your home office to keep up with demand and continue to grow your customer …
Getting older is difficult for many people. It’s tough to look in the mirror and see a face looking back at you that you no longer really recognise. What a lot of people fail to mention is that even as you gain more years and fine lines in your face, you don’t actually end up …
Have you ever had an epiphany or discovered a surprising tip that leaves you wondering, “Why did I not think of that?” Life can get fairly busy, and with a massive to-do list in hand, it’s easy to feel like nothing ever gets done. While you may not have infinite energy or the ability to …
Introducing a second language to your child is a valuable gift that opens doors to new cultures, opportunities, and cognitive benefits. Learning a second language at a young age is not only easier but also provides a solid foundation for future proficiency. Many places, from primary schools and senior schools, to this nursery in Potters …
Cognitive development plays a crucial role in a child’s overall growth and well-being. It encompasses the mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge, problem-solving, reasoning, and understanding the world around them. As parents or caregivers, there are several effective ways to support and nurture your child’s cognitive development. In this blog post, we’ll explore some practical …
The partnership between parents and teachers is a critical factor in a child’s educational success. A strong parent-teacher relationship creates a supportive network that fosters a positive learning environment for the child. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of this collaboration and offer practical tips on how to build and maintain effective parent-teacher …
Sending your child to nursery is an important step in their early education journey. It provides a stimulating environment where they can learn, play, and interact with other children. Beyond just socialisation, nurseries play a crucial role in developing a wide range of skills that will serve as a foundation for their future learning and …
