Category Archives: Top tips
Choosing gifts with good play value
Your children’s gift lists have been written and you may be wondering where to start and which toys will give the best play value. Many parents are faced with a dilemma about what to buy to keep children happy but not break the bank, often this can be made worse when gifts are opened and the expensive present is untouched but the box it came in keeps them occupied for hours. Here are some ideas to choose toys that have play, fun and learning value for your children and won’t put you indebt. Top Tip 1 Consider Age and Development … Continue reading
Family traditions in the festive season
This time of years seems positively filled with celebrations and gift giving. With Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year there are many opportunities for families to get together to share their beliefs, spend quality time together and to create strong memories and family traditions. Alongside the religious significance of this time of year, research suggests that a sense of belonging, building up positive memories and bringing people together are important functions of festivities. How do you create a festive atmosphere in your home? Try these ideas to build on your family traditions: Top Tip 1 Down memory lane First of all … Continue reading
Christmas Present Pestering
Christmas is drawing nearer and your child’s Christmas lists are probably growing longer and longer by the day. No one wants to disappoint their child, but for the vast majority of parents it is not possible to meet all the demands of that Christmas present list. It is also more helpful to your child if they are taught that some of their wants can be met but other things must wait. Learning to delay getting what you want is a good lesson for any child as many goals in life must be worked for and come at the end of … Continue reading
Festive pester power
Your children’s gift lists have been written and you may be looking on with dread at all the toys you’re being asked to buy in the festive season. Then there’s the cry of “I want that!” as TV advertising makes it’s mark, research and our own experience tells us the more TV your child watches the more likely they are to ask for toys they’ve seen advertised. Many parents are faced with a dilemma about what to buy to keep children happy but not break the bank, often this is made worse when gifts are opened and the expensive present … Continue reading
DING DONG avoid festive season family feuds
The festive season should be just that, families getting together, sharing meals, giving gifts and reconnecting. Unfortunately it can also be a season of family disagreements as relatives who would usually spend little time together are expected to attend family gatherings and get along for hours on end. Not to mention the effect of alcohol as a catalyst for being outspoken and taking things to extremes that might otherwise be avoided. Try these top tips to keep festive gatherings full of harmony. Top Tip 1 Preventing rows When family members don’t get on you may dread celebrations. You could try … Continue reading
10 ways to stress-free festivities
The holiday season is a special time of year for families, whatever festivities you celebrate, here are some simple tips to help maintain the magic, written by Claire Halsey, author and parenting expert Top Tip 1 Shop and drop Don’t shop `til you drop. Order groceries and gifts online and have them delivered – or if you don’t have the internet at home, avoid the crowds by shopping at less busy times. Top Tip 2 Resist fads Spend wisely. How often have you stretched your budget to buy the latest `must have’ toy, only to find your child playing with … Continue reading
