This is a collaborative post in partnership with Jaques of London Do you like to play family board games? We've played them with the kids since they were really small, and over the years have always found it a great way to get everyone together and having fun. We're always on the lookout for new games to add to our collection, and Jaques of London have sent us two of their lovely traditional games to try out. Traditional toys & ...
Fun stay at home activities for families
Stuck at home with the kids? Check out these simple ideas for fun stay at home activities to keep the whole family busy and entertained. For many of us, family time is the highlight of a busy week. I know from my own parenting experience that spending time doing something as a family is a great way to unwind and get some all-important perspective. Whether it's hot beach days in the summer, barbecuing in the spring, kicking up leaves in ...
Five reasons why doing jigsaw puzzles is really good for you
Collaborative post Are you a jigsaw puzzle fan? It’s a tradition in our house to have one on the go at Christmas; there’s always a bit of friendly competition over who gets to place that all-important last piece! The benefits of jigsaw puzzles Jigsaw puzzles are often thought of as just a hobby, or something aimed mainly at children. But there are actually lots of very positive benefits of doing jigsaw puzzles which are relevant ...
Fun garden games to get kids active
The arrival of warmer weather and longer days means one thing in our house: everyone spends more time in the garden. This is a really busy time of year gardening-wise, so I’m always pottering about with plants, and the kids just love being able to play outside and blow off steam. I’m a huge fan of outdoor play. After being cooped-up indoors my kids’ mood visibly lifts when they head outside for some fresh air; it’s no surprise really, given ...
School holidays: ideas for keeping the kids busy
School holidays are always around the corner, as my children keep reminding me, and I’m afraid if I don’t find us something fun and active to do things will rapidly descend into chaos! I’ve been thinking of some ideas that will help all of us relax, learn and have fun during the school holidays this year. Have you got any of these on your list? Create a game If you have to work or don’t have lots of budget to do anything outside the ...
Healthy habits for TV, video games and the internet
If you've got kids, you'll be only too aware of the increasing influence of TV, video games and the internet on their lives. Naturally we all want to create a good balance between screen time and other hobbies, and today's guest post looks at positive steps we can take as parents to encourage healthy habits in our children - and ourselves too! TV, video games and the internet are excellent sources of entertainment and education for both kids ...
Top Outdoor Play Products & Giveaway
Welcome to a new giveaway, courtesy of the lovely people at outdoor toy retailer Big Game Hunters. One lucky winner will bag themselves a gorgeous Aztec Wigwam Play Tent worth £59.99. The school holidays are in full swing, and it's the perfect time to get the kids playing outdoors. As you'll know from this blog, we're big fans of outdoor activities - they're a brilliant way to have some healthy family fun, and offer lots of opportunities for ...
Nature craft: making natural noughts and crosses
I always look forward to the kids being at home more in the school holidays, and this year I'm absolutely loving the extra time it's giving us for crafting. There's a four and a half year age gap between my kids, and I find nature crafts one of the best ways to get them inspired and absorbed by the same activity. We're having our bathroom re-fitted at the moment, and we've been a bit tied to the house while the workmen do their stuff. So we ...
Family garden games ideas & giveaway with Poundstretcher
Welcome to a new giveaway on the blog! This week I've a fantastic prize courtesy of the lovely people at Poundstretcher. They are offering one lucky winner a brilliant bundle of garden games - just in time for Summer. With the weather warming up nicely and the evenings getting lighter for longer, my children are spending more and more time playing in the garden. Apart from the obvious benefits of outdoor play - lots of fresh air, exercise ...