My young children were so caring-worried about whether we might accidentally tread on a passing ant, always showing concern to each other or animals in particular. But almost overnight, it seemed, they became 6- and 8-year-olds with a new favourite phrase: “I don’t care!” The empathy I cherished seemed to vanish, replaced by indifference andContinue reading “Breaking the “Don’t Care” Habit: Our Journey to Raising Caring Kids”
Author Archives: Julia
Bringing Pinocchio to Life: A Magical Read-Aloud Experience for Kids
When my oldest daughter was about four or five years old, I wanted to find a chapter book version of Pinocchio for her. We had already enjoyed some shorter adaptations of the story, but I was eager for her to experience the full magic of the tale. Growing up, I was enchanted by Disney’s classic Pinocchio film, and IContinue reading “Bringing Pinocchio to Life: A Magical Read-Aloud Experience for Kids”
Why Our Kids’ Freedom Means More Stress for Us
Have you ever felt torn between wanting your child to be independent and worrying about what might happen if you let go? You’re not alone. Autonomy is defined as “the ability to make your own decisions without being controlled by anyone else”. Thinking of our kids, the more control we give our children, the less stress they experience. As children gain autonomy, parents naturallyContinue reading “Why Our Kids’ Freedom Means More Stress for Us”
Guinea Pigs Take the Stage: An Emotional Adaptation of Romeo & Juliet for Kids
A Guinea Pig Romeo & Juliet was one of the first guinea pig books we had read together. I sought out stories featuring guinea pigs to create a special connection with my children, especially after we recently welcomed two new guinea pigs into our family home. We home educate our three children, and when weContinue reading “Guinea Pigs Take the Stage: An Emotional Adaptation of Romeo & Juliet for Kids”
Tidy Attic, Happy Home: Storing Kids’ Unused Items Without Saying Goodbye
Being solo with 3 young kids and a lot of hoarded toys, books, teddies… it made for a very stressful life clearing away. I desperately wanted things to be organised so we could find things easily and so it would leave room for creative sparks to happen. Tidying up was becoming very burdensome. Something hadContinue reading “Tidy Attic, Happy Home: Storing Kids’ Unused Items Without Saying Goodbye”
Discovering Roald Dahl: Reading ‘The Witches’ Aloud and Bringing Stories to Life for My Kids
We home educate 3 children. When I first started to read them Roald Dahl’s books, the kids were approximately 6 years and 4 year old twins. We also found there were script versions of most of Roald Dahl’s books, which meant we spent hours creating our own home movies to watch back in the yearsContinue reading “Discovering Roald Dahl: Reading ‘The Witches’ Aloud and Bringing Stories to Life for My Kids”
From Class to Kitchen: Mastering Delicious Family Dinners
Let’s say, before I became a Mum, I was capable of cooking about 3 meals. One was pasta with butter and raisins (it sounds awful! But it got me through the teenage years!). The other was sausage sandwiches (not healthy, but it was still classed as cooking in my book!). The final was the essentialContinue reading “From Class to Kitchen: Mastering Delicious Family Dinners”
Book Reviews For Children: The Secret Dragon By Ed Clarke
We home educate 3 children. When I first read The Secret Dragon, the kids were 7 years and 5 year old twins. We struggle (big time!) to find enough books to devour. The kids love reading, and they especially love Mummy to read chapters of books every day. I kid you not! When we findContinue reading “Book Reviews For Children: The Secret Dragon By Ed Clarke”
Poem About Holding On To Someone After Their Death
My father died suddenly when I was 29 years old; I was 33 years old when I gave birth to my first daughter. I had a close connection with my Dad. I guess after someone dies, you’ll naturally imagine that if they were still here life would be perfect. I’m sure in reality it wouldn’tContinue reading “Poem About Holding On To Someone After Their Death”
Book Reviews For Children: Rooftoppers By Katherine Rundell
We home educate 3 children. Their current ages are 8 years and 6.5 year old twins. We struggle (big time!) to find enough books to devour. The kids love reading, and they especially love Mummy to read chapters of books every day. I kid you not! When we find a good one, we want toContinue reading “Book Reviews For Children: Rooftoppers By Katherine Rundell”
Gentle Parent 