Let summer holidays be an adventure not a time for cotton wool and telly-watching

It’s summer holiday time again, a time when children will need time and space to explore and investigate.

Last updated 23 July 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

A sense of security and stability goes a long way in the development of children

Last updated 18 June 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Do your children fight? Then they’ll be prepared for conflicts in their later lives

It’s the news that parents, tired of telling their children to play nicely together, have been longing to hear: Sibling rivalry can boost emotional development, increase maturity and enhance social skills.

Last updated 21 May 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Do what is best for children and don’t worry whether your planning is on a Post-it note

Recently while delivering training to childcare practitioners, I appreciated how they bought a range of experience and expertise to the session.

Last updated 21 April 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Treating transition in a sensitive manner will ensure change is accepted more easily

As my youngest son left his day nursery to start pre-school, I reflected on the importance of smooth, thoughtful transitions for our children.

Last updated 26 March 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

The life chances of children should not be determined by parental capacity to earn

Children’s life chances are heavily predicated on their development in their first five years. By the age of just five, huge differences already exist between the abilities of children from comfortable and ‘disadvantaged’ backgrounds.

Last updated 19 February 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We need to rediscover the lost art of good conversation to help children communicate

We have become a culture of media, texting, e-mails and social networking.

Last updated 20 November 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

‘Being a positive role model to youngsters is the most powerful form of teaching’

Suddenly, your face is flushed, your pulse racing and you shout. Before you know it you have turned from Mary Poppins into Cruella De Vil.

Last updated 25 September 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Climbing trees and digging in the dirt are important lessons this summer

My mum used to pester me as a child to go out and play: “It will do you good to get some fresh air”. When asked about their most significant childhood memories of playing outside many adults recall playing street games, climbing trees, making dens and other outdoor adventures.

Last updated 24 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Staying at home with the kids is not just women’s work anymore, and that’s great

Being a dad has a whole different meaning that it did 50 years ago, and that’s a great thing.

Last updated 21 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Children need to know we don’t abuse people we respect

Children in England are to be taught that domestic violence is unacceptable as part of a new government strategy.

Last updated 2 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

A new administration will almost certainly mean more change and more uncertainty

Since Labour came to power in 1997 there has been a whirlwind of early years activity, initiatives and policies introduced.

Last updated 27 March 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Grandparents can be crucial in providing quality childcare but beware pitfalls

In today’s world with a growing need for safe quality childcare, many parents turn to their own parents for their childcare needs.

Last updated 26 February 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Childcare providers must work in partnership with parents to safely nurture our babies

Working parents often worry about getting the right home/work life balance and ensuring our precious children are well cared for when we are at work.

Last updated 21 November 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Pets can teach valuable life lessons – just be ready for when the novelty wears off

Children usually love animals and for good reasons. Creatures large and small give great joy and offer a special kind of companionship.

Last updated 17 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Don’t be intimidated by the ‘mafia’ at the gates – just smile and make the first move

For many mothers with children starting school or nursery for the first time those school gate encounters are quite traumatising and not for the faint hearted.

Last updated 19 September 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Worried about surviving the summer? Time to ditch the routine and have a lot of fun

Much as we love our children, not all parents think ‘yippee it’s the summer holidays’.Keep it real and chill out. If parents think school holidays are going to be one long nightmare then it will indeed feel like one. A small change in perspective will make the time together much more enjoyable. Spending time with your children shouldn’t be all hard work, and shouldn’t cost a fortune.

Last updated 18 July 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Start preparing now to make your child’s first day at school good for both of you

Parents may think there is plenty of time ahead and tend to leave thinking about settling their children into school until after the summer holidays.

Last updated 19 June 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk