family Archives - ABC Magazine

Mar 20

Money makes the world go round

By Iain Boyle family, Finance, numeracy skills

We all understand the importance of teaching our children timeless life lessons, such as using good manners and being kind to others. However, one important lesson many of us tend to overlook is teaching our children about the value of money.

The truth is, less than half of children in the UK receive meaningful financial education, whether at home or in school.

Mindy Paul, a wealth accumulation mentor known as the “$100 Million Dollar Coach,” explains below why this is so crucial.

Our relationship with money starts in early childhood. Giving children a proper education about money helps them develop healthy financial habits, make smarter decisions, and set themselves up for a successful future, which is something every parent wants for their child.

Struggling to tackle this tricky topic? Mindy shares some simple, powerful tips for teaching children about money. Here’s what he recommends:
Teach earning
As a parent, it’s easy to be tempted to spoil them rotten. That said, there’s a lot to be said about teaching your child the value of entrepreneurship.

Growing up, I pursued various forms of entrepreneurship, from valeting cars to selling sweets at school.

While I wouldn’t recommend children follow in my footsteps on the latter, not handing them everything on a plate and encouraging them to earn their own money sets them up for success.

If there’s a treat your child wants, trade them the money to buy it with some small, age-appropriate jobs or tasks. This teaches them the relationship between income and effort, and gives them a better understanding of the value of money.

It also introduces the concept of delayed gratification, showing them how to be patient and plan toward their goals.

Encourage collaborative thinking
Children are brimming with ideas and seem to have a new future career on the cards every week.

When your child is talking about their ideas, for instance, their plans of starting a bake sale or selling their crafts, encourage them to enlist the help of their friends.

Encouraging teamwork helps them see the value of diverse talents and working as a team. For instance, one child may be great at baking, while another is skilled at decorating the stall or spreading the word to friends and family.

Teach them that collaboration can multiply their efforts. As one person, you may be able to make a good amount of money. However, if there are others with different skill sets to your own around you, you have the potential to grow even further.

Lead by example
If you’re sheepish and elusive when discussing money with your child, this enforces the notion that money is something that shouldn’t be talked about.

The fact is, money isn’t something to be ashamed of. We should be able to openly talk about money and treat it as a practical and essential part of life.

So, lead by example. Have age-appropriate conversations with them about household bills, work, savings and other money-related subjects. Let them see how you manage your money responsibly.

Show them how you budget for essentials, save for the future, and even treat yourself occasionally. This transparency puts them in great stead for years to come.

Simplify savings and investments
Many of us struggle to wrap our heads around the likes of investments now, but think about how much further ahead you’d be if you were taught from a young age?

The concepts of savings and investments can be simplified. For instance, you can say things like, “You can have one toy now, or two if you put the money away until later.” This introduces them to the idea of making choices that benefit their future.

You could also encourage them to use jars labelled ‘Spend’, ‘Save’ and ‘Share’, to help them allocate their money wisely and consider short-term, long-term, and charitable aspirations.

Introduce the idea of charity
It’s all good and well teaching your children to be responsible with money, but it’s equally important to teach them the value of sharing with others.

Encouraging them to donate to charity, for instance by dedicating their spare change to placing in charity collection boxes, fosters empathy. It also can teach them valuable life skills such as leadership, resilience, social responsibility, and problem-solving. By helping others, they also learn the satisfaction and pride that comes from giving back to their community.

For further information please visit www.mindypaul.com

Mar 18

Love0

Demystifying male infertility

By Iain Boyle family, Health, prenancy, Relationships

by Professor Geeta Nargund
Medical Director abc IVF

Infertility is still widely thought of as a female issue. Yet our research revealed that the male biological clock has a more prominent role in the outcome of IVF treatment than was initially thought. Why is male infertility less understood and what should men and couples be aware of when considering starting a family?

Media stories of older fathers have helped to perpetuate the myth that men do not have a biological clock – but celebrities like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino are the exception to the rule. It is important that men are educated about the impact of their age on their fertility so that couples can make informed decisions about when they want to start a family.

The impact of paternal age
The facts are clear: paternal age impacts the outcome of IVF treatment. For women aged between 35 and 40 with a male partner aged 40 and over there was a steep decline in the live birth rate. To be precise, the live birth rate dropped from 32.8% where the father was under 35 to 27.9% where the father was aged between 40 and 44. The most dramatic decline in the live birth rate was to 25%, in cases where the father’s age was over 55. This can be attributed to both the quality and quantity of a man’s sperm decreasing with age.

Increased paternal age can also lead to a higher risk of miscarriage. The rate of miscarriage is twice as high for women with male partners over 45 years old compared to women with male partners under the age of 25.

Paternal age did not have the same impact on women under the age of 35 or over the age of 40 conceiving. This is because the eggs of younger women are better able to repair the higher incidence of DNA damage that are often found in the sperm of older males.

In addition to affecting conception, paternal age can have an impact on the couples’ children as well. The offspring of men who are over 45 are five times more likely to have an autism spectrum disorder; five times more likely to have mental health problems; and thirteen times more likely to have an ADHD diagnosis.

For a long time, a woman’s age and fertility have been assumed to be the only determining factor in the outcome of fertility treatment. This research disproves that myth by revealing that men too have a biological clock.

It is now time couples were better informed about the impact of the male biological clock on their fertility. This is why I have campaigned for a national curriculum that promotes fertility education and is committed to empowering young people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their future.

Optimising your fertility health
So, what are the options for men looking to boost their fertility levels? Well, there are a variety of things that can be done, but the most important rule to remember is that your general health and fertility health go hand in hand – so it’s best all round to aim for a healthy lifestyle.

This will include cutting down on alcohol and quitting smoking as well as eating a healthy, varied diet. I would also recommend exercise which is helpful for lowering stress levels and keeping within a healthy BMI range.

Reasons for male infertility
We’ve established that exercising and cutting vices such as alcohol and cigarettes can improve fertility. The logic follows that the inverse (excessive drinking and a no exercise) can increase the risk of infertility.

However, there are also genetic and medical conditions which can contribute to infertility that men need to be aware of. For example, varicoceles (prominent veins); blockage of the ejaculatory ducts; undescended testis and testicular tumours can all contribute to infertility. Additionally, whilst this condition is much rarer – impacting 1% of the male population – extreme cases of azoospermia result in seminal fluid which contains no sperm at all.

Furthermore, sexually transmitted infections and underactive thyroids can increase the risk of infertility in men and women alike.

When to seek medical help
It is time to speak to a doctor if the couple have been trying to conceive for six months and if the female partner is over 35 and the male partner is over 40. Similarly, if both partners are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months, they should also seek medical advice. This will allow the couple to explore the available fertility tests and treatments, if that’s a path they wish to pursue.

Knowledge is power
Whilst the prospect of male infertility and a male biological clock may sound daunting, an awareness of these issues is crucial in allowing men to make informed decisions about their fertility health. One approach is to have a national curriculum which highlights infertility prevention, arming the next generation with knowledge and destigmatising the topic of male infertility.

Professor Geeta Nargund, Senior NHS Consultant and Founder and Medical Director of abc IVF and CREATE Fertility. For further information please visit www.abcivf.co.uk or www.createfertility.co.uk

Mar 06

Love0

Pop outside and let the play begin

By Iain Boyle Childcare and Nannying, Education, environment, family, Forest School, Green

by Sylvia Roberts and Rachel Humphrey
Little Earthworms Children’s Nursery and Pre-school

The importance of children playing outside is essential to their development – countless studies over the years have shown the benefits on children’s, physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Having worked with children in nurseries and as nannies since we were teenagers, Rachel and I are quick to spot when it’s time to get outside!

When we opened our nursery 15 years ago, one of our top priorities was having a good-sized outside space so that all our children could benefit from being outside as much as possible throughout the year. Popping on a sun hat and exploring the outdoors in the warm sunshine or dashing outside to chase the snow, no matter the time of year, being outside improves us all.

Time outside in the sunny days has an immune boosting effect on our bodies, producing vitamin D, improving our cognitive performance, and boosting our serotonin levels to support our mental health. The benefits really are endless. The quote “There is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather” has been said in many ways over the years and we really incorporate this sentiment at our little nursery, engraining it into all our daily lives.

There is nothing better on a rainy day than getting the waterproof clothing and a good pair of wellies on and going outside, jumping in puddles. Jumping, splashing and running are just a small part of being outside. At any time of year children are able to explore risk and help work together at tasks such as setting up a game or activity together, digging in the garden preparing the vegetable patches, or going on a hunt to find where the best snails, slugs and woodlice are hiding.

Children’s friendships and social interactions can change and be explored in new ways while being outside. Children gain new confidence alongside their peers while they push the boundaries of not only their physicality but also expanding their emotional intelligence along the way.

Children love being outside, as their young minds are naturally geared towards creativity, problem solving and role play games. Vivid imaginations can flourish with outside play, all of this being harnessed and strengthened with the use of the many natural resources available to them through the art of exploration.

Children of all ages benefit from the vast sensory experiences when outside; the squelching of mud, the crinkle of leaves, the smell of flowers and plants while watching birds or looking out for rainbows overhead. There are endless opportunities within the outside environment for children to expand their knowledge and develop through their play.

We are very passionate about every aspect of outdoor learning. Children thrive outside and often have a fantastically engaged learning experience when the learning environment is based in nature.

Having structured play and free play both inside and outside is essential for children to adapt and learn in their younger years. Playing and learning new skills during their early developmental years gives children the tools to grow and thrive. So many developmental aspects are pushed to engage and prosper when being outside.

Communication and language are expanded naturally when playing outside as children feel freer to engage in loud vocal play such as shouting and whooping. Language can develop through curiosity of a new environment and enthusiasm of sharing their new experiences as they adventure through new rich habitats.

Outside time can certainly be hard to come by when living in a city but at those times it becomes even more important to pop outside and let the play begin.

Living in Sussex, we are lucky that there are so many outside spaces and fantastic natural areas that, with adult support, children can explore and enrich their lives through. There are many parks, small green spaces, gardens, open fields, nature reserves and, of course, not forgetting the beautiful beaches. The joy of engaging with nature is limitless!

Being outside, children are engaged and full of life while gaining so much through the opportunity of developmental play. Children harness their natural environmental experiences, socialising, growing and learning about the outdoors, while engrossed in nature in a myriad of technicolour ways.

Does life really get any better?

Sylvia Roberts and Rachel Humphrey own Little Earthworms nursery and pre-school on Ditchling Road in Brighton. Having worked in childcare for more than 50 years between them, they have been running the nursery for 15 of those wonderfully enriching years! The nursery is a large open plan bungalow with a beautiful spacious garden for our chickens, vegetable patches and of course our pirate ship for many an adventure! Please call or email to come and have a look around. Tel: 01273 243182 Email: Little.earthworms2010@gmail.com

Mar 06

Love0

The importance of physical activity on children’s mental wellbeing

By Iain Boyle Childcare and Nannying, environment, Exercise, family, fun for children, play, Playing

by Debbie Webb,
Founder of Activ8 For Kids

Physical activity is an all encompassing term, which can refer to PE lessons at school, participation in team or individual sports, running around at the park and much more. Each one brings its own physical benefits such as healthy bones and muscles, a strong heart and lungs as well as developing fundamental movement skills, speed, strength and stamina. However, physical activity can bring a wealth of other benefits to children, meaning that even if your child is not ‘sporty’, helping them develop a lifelong habit of regular physical activity can help them across many aspects of their life.

Physical activity is defined by the World Health Organisation as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. This includes walking to school, cleaning their rooms, kicking a ball around in their garden and any other movement that uses energy. The NHS recommends that children aged five to 18 years need to take part in 60 minutes of physical activity per day and for children under five it is 180 minutes.

We know that this is important for physical health and the importance of developing strong bones and muscles at a young age but do we consider all the other benefits our children are getting when they are being physically active?

As adults we have all been there; it is cold outside and we want to stay inside, warm and dry, but we feel tired, lethargic, possibly even a little low or agitated. If we are able to pull ourselves out for a walk, the fresh air can help wake us up, make us feel more invigorated and awake. We may return feeling tired, but it is a different type of tiredness – a good tiredness. It is the same for children, physical activity in any form can wake the brain up, release good chemicals and help them feel more alive.

We live in a society where computer games, TV and social media are part of life but it is important to help our children develop habits of coming away from screen time whenever they can, or at least to plan in breaks from the screens. A family walk along the beach, or in the woods can have so many positive effects on the whole family, time to talk, have fun with each other, wake your brains up and step away from the screen. It doesn’t have to be a long trek, a short walk around the block can have similar effects.

What are the benefits?
Physical activity can help hugely with maintaining mental health. Endorphins are released during all types of physical activity and can help to improve mood, energy levels and sleep. Physical activity has also been linked to a more positive body image in children and young people.

We are hearing more and more about rising anxiety levels in children. Physical activity can help break the cycle of anxiety by helping them focus on something different and gaining a sense of achievement, even if that is a short walk, taking a ball down to the beach or getting out on their bike. The feel good chemicals released in the brain during activity can also help a child with anxiety. There are so many pressures on children and young people in today’s society and many of these are amplified by social media. Taking part in physical activity can help children make friendships out of school, improve their confidence and help them with social anxiety.

There are many activities available that don’t focus on elite ability and are there to encourage physical activity, it is a case of exploring the options, looking at holiday activities, after-school clubs and going out with your child when you can. The benefits to your child’s mental wellbeing will be priceless and will stay with them for the rest of their lives. We need to help children recognise how physical activity makes them feel better about themselves and encourage them to find the activities they enjoy.

Debbie Webb is a qualified teacher and sports coach. She runs Activ8 For Kids and has developed programmes of activity for the different ages and stages between two and sixteen years old based on the fundamental movement skills. For more information please visit www.activ8forkids.co.uk

Mar 05

Love0

Stress-free birthday parties

By Iain Boyle Exercise, family, fun for children, Party, Playing

by Lily Derbyshire
AirHop

Outsource and sit back!

Your child’s birthday should be a joyous occasion but it often turns into a significant source of stress due to planning for the big day! From choosing a theme and organising activities and entertainment, to preparing food and cleaning up the aftermath, the to-do list can suddenly feel endless and costs can add up too. The good news is, there is a solution that ensures a memorable and stress-free experience for both parents and children: opting for a venue with dedicated children’s party services. Generally, most activity or play centres will have a range of party packages readily available to suit different requirements and budgets.

One of the biggest advantages of booking a party package at a venue with activity-based facilities is the significant reduction in stress. Planning and hosting a party at home means taking on countless responsibilities such as decorating, organising games, preparing food and drinks and cleaning up, alongside ensuring the party runs smoothly from start to finish. It is easy to see why hosting at home can sometimes seem more like a chore than a celebration.

Additionally, play and activity centres have a range of attractions, activities and trained hosts already in place that aren’t available at home, to ensure guests have an exciting and action-packed party. The truth is, children do not measure the success or value of their party by the hours put in by their parents organising it but how memorable and how much fun they and their friends had. Everyone wants to have the party that children will talk about long after.

By booking a party package at an activity centre, parents can delegate these tasks to experienced party hosts. Many venues handle everything from set up, activities and entertainment, to food and cleaning up, leaving the parents free to focus on what matters most – enjoying the special day with their child. Imagine walking into a fully prepared party, watching activities run effortlessly, and leaving at the end with no mess to clean up. Hosting at an activity centre eliminates the ‘what if’ worries: What if it rains? What if we run out of food? What if the children get bored? With experienced staff and well-equipped facilities, venues are prepared for any scenario. It is not just a party for your child – it is a gift for yourself!

While stress-free planning is a huge win for parents, the real magic of hosting at an activity centre venue lies in the experience it offers the children. Trampoline parks, in particular, are a standout choice. Combining high-energy fun with physical activity, they offer an unforgettable setting that keeps children entertained from start to finish. With wall-to-wall trampolines, giant airbags, dodgeball courts and many other exciting attractions, trampoline parks cater to a wide range of ages and energy levels and are sure to keep the children active.

Beyond being fun, trampolining is a fantastic form of exercise. It is three times more effective than jogging when it comes to burning calories, all while being easier on joints. As the children jump, they will engage multiple muscle groups, improving their balance and coordination and get their hearts pumping – all without even realising they are exercising and far away from any screens!

Trampoline parks provide a safe environment for high-energy play, featuring facilities designed with safety in mind and supervision from trained staff and party hosts to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone. Guests can engage in physical activity by bouncing around the park, the perfect outlet for their energy. Parents can relax and have a coffee, knowing their children are in safe hands. By the time the party comes to a close, the children will be happily tired from all the excitement.

When it comes to stress-free party packages, AirHop and Jump In Adventure and Trampoline Parks features multiple locations nationwide and a range of party packages designed for all ages, making it easy to plan a celebration that’s stress-free for parents and exciting for the children. AirHop’s party packages include everything you need for a fantastic party: hoptastic jump time, access to private party areas, delicious food options and even a FREE return bounce pass for the birthday child. Visit the www.airhop.co.uk to learn more and book your next party.

Mar 03

Love0

Having a family through surrogacy

By Iain Boyle family, Fostering and adoption, Relationships

by Rachael House
Partner, Dutton Gregory

As society evolves, it is becoming increasingly common for those with difficulties surrounding fertility or conception to turn to surrogacy as the path to parenthood.

What is surrogacy?
Surrogacy is where a woman (the surrogate) carries a baby on behalf of a couple or an individual who intends to become the child’s parents.

There are two types of surrogacy:
• Traditional surrogacy – the surrogate becomes pregnant through artificial insemination and using her own eggs, so is genetically related to the baby.
• Host surrogacy – the surrogate is impregnated through IVF using either eggs from a donor or the intended mother, meaning the surrogate does not have a genetic link with the baby. In recent years, this has become the more frequently used method of surrogacy.

What is the legal position?
At present, surrogacy is legal in the UK. However, the law states that the woman who gives birth to the child is the legal parent, and will have parental responsibility regardless of genetic relation to the child, contracts or payments. If she is married, she and her spouse are both the legal parents. This means that the intended parent/s do not have any rights to the child until a ‘Parental Order’ is in place.

Surrogacy agreements are not legally enforceable in England and so it is important to obtain independent legal advice prior to entering into any treatment.

What is a ‘Parental Order’?
A Parental Order permanently reassigns parenthood to the intended parent/s. It allows the proposed individual/s to become the legal parent/s of the child and permanently extinguishes the parenthood of a surrogate and any spouse.

Once a Parental Order is made, the birth certificate is re-registered to record the intended parent/s as the legal parent/s. The original birth certificate will be sealed as part of the Parental Order Register and will only be available to the child once they are over 18.

The surrogate must agree to this unconditionally. If there is disagreement about who the child’s legal parents should be (i.e. the surrogate would like to keep the child,) the courts will make a decision based on the best interests of the child.

What is the process for a Parental Order?
To attain a Parental Order, the proposed parent(s) must demonstrate to the Family Court that the transferred parenthood is for the child’s best interest and they meet all the following criteria:

Applying with a partner:
• One party must be biologically related to the child (the egg or sperm donor).
• The couple must be married, civil partners or living as partners.
• The child must reside with the couple permanently in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.
• The application must be within six months of the child’s birth (unless there are exceptional circumstances).

If an applicant is applying as an individual, they must be biologically related to the child (the egg or sperm donor) and if the surrogacy took place outside of the UK, then any application needs to be made to the High Court.

The team at Dutton Gregory is experienced in Surrogacy Law and Parental Order applications and can assist with advice prior to entering into surrogacy arrangements, preparing and issuing court applications and guidance in obtaining a Parental Order.

Rachael House is an experienced Collaborative Law Practitioner and Partner at Dutton Gregory, so if you want advice then please contact Rachael on 01483 755609 or
r.house@duttongregory.co.uk

Mar 02

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Putting children first

By Iain Boyle family, Legal, Mental health

by Julian Hunt
Partner at Dean Wilson and Head of the Family Department

A guide to mindful co-parenting after separation

When marriages and partnerships end, it’s easy to get caught up in the storm of emotions and conflicts that inevitably arise. Yet amidst the troubles, there’s a group whose needs often risk being overlooked – the children. While separation is challenging for adults, its impact on children can be profound and long-lasting, potentially affecting their mental health and future relationships.

Studies have shown that it’s not the separation itself that most damages children, but rather how parents handle it. This brings us to a crucial question: How can separating parents ensure their children’s wellbeing remains at the forefront?

Building a foundation of respect
The foundation of successful co-parenting lies in maintaining respectful communication between parents. This might seem like a tough challenge when emotions are running high, but it’s essential to remember that every hostile exchange or negative comment can leave lasting impressions on children. Even when parents think their children aren’t listening, young ones often pick up on tensions through overheard conversations or social media posts.

Love without limits
One of the most significant challenges for separating parents is accepting that their child can maintain loving relationships with both parents and their new partners. Children have a remarkable capacity for love, and forcing them to choose sides or feel guilty about spending time with the other parent can create emotional wounds that take years to heal.

Flexibility emerges as another crucial element in successful co-parenting. Life doesn’t stand still after separation, and neither should parenting arrangements. Children’s needs and wishes evolve as they grow, and parents must be prepared to adapt their arrangements accordingly. This might mean being understanding when a teenager prefers spending time with friends over parent time or being willing to adjust usual arrangements to accommodate special occasions.

Keeping children out of adult matters
A common downfall in post-separation parenting is using children as messengers or confidants. While it might seem convenient to relay messages through children or seek their emotional support, this places an unfair burden on young shoulders. Children shouldn’t be drawn into adult discussions about financial matters or be asked to keep secrets from either parent. They certainly shouldn’t be pressured to lie to professionals or family members about their situations or feelings.

Creating two welcoming homes
The question of possessiveness often arises in separated families – whether over the children themselves or their belongings. A healthy approach involves making it easy for children to move between homes with their necessary items, rather than creating artificial boundaries that make them feel like visitors in either home. This extends to maintaining connections with extended family members who play important roles in children’s lives.

Special occasions and holidays present unique challenges for separated families. These moments hold significance for both parents and children. Rather than viewing these occasions as potential difficulties, parents should approach them as opportunities to demonstrate mature co-parenting. This might mean sharing celebration times or alternating years for certain events.

Individual needs, individual solutions
It’s worth noting that siblings might have different preferences for spending time with each parent, and that’s OK. Each child’s relationship with their parents is unique, and forcing identical arrangements on all siblings might not serve their individual needs. Parents should be prepared to accommodate these differences while ensuring all their children feel equally valued and loved.

Progress over perfection
Co-parenting isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. Neither parent will get everything right all the time, and expecting perfection from either yourself or your ex-partner sets an impossible standard. What matters most is maintaining a consistent focus on your children’s wellbeing, even when faced with disagreements or challenges.

Getting professional support
For parents struggling with these transitions, professional support can be invaluable. Family mediators, family consultants and legal professionals who specialise in family law can help navigate complex situations while keeping children’s interests paramount. These experts can assist in creating sustainable parenting plans that protect children’s wellbeing while respecting both parents’ rights and responsibilities.

Looking to the future
As our understanding of children’s needs in separated families continues to evolve, one truth remains constant: children benefit most when their parents can set aside their differences to focus on co-parenting effectively. This doesn’t mean pretending past conflicts don’t exist or forcing fake relationships. Rather, it means developing a new kind of relationship – one based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to raising healthy, well-adjusted children.

The journey of separation is rarely easy, but by keeping children’s needs at the centre of all decisions, parents can help their children navigate this significant life change with resilience and security. After all, while partnerships may end, parenting is a lifelong commitment that deserves our very best efforts.

Dean Wilson LLP’s reputation has been built upon our ability to deliver and exceed our clients’ expectations. For over 100 years our success has been founded upon our client focused approach, backed by the knowledge and expertise of our lawyers. www.deanwilson.co.uk

Mar 01

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Nurturing creative learning

By Iain Boyle children's health, Early Years, Education, family, Forest School, Playing, Relationships

by Sharon Mee
Artpod Brighton

Creativity is the spark that fuels curiosity, innovation, and self-expression. For children and young people, engaging in creative learning is more than just an enjoyable pastime – it’s a powerful way to develop essential skills, build confidence and navigate the world. We’re passionate about making creative opportunities accessible to everyone, empowering children and families to unlock their potential through the arts.

What is creative learning and why does it matter?
Creative learning is about fostering a child’s imagination and encouraging them to think critically, solve problems and express themselves in unique ways. Unlike traditional rote learning, which often focuses on memorising and repetition, creative learning emphasises exploration, experimentation and personal growth.

The benefits are wide-ranging:
• Boosted emotional wellbeing: Creative activities provide an outlet for children to process emotions and reduce stress.
• Enhanced problem-solving skills: By thinking outside the box, children learn to approach challenges with confidence and flexibility.
• Improved social connections: Collaborative projects foster teamwork, empathy and communication skills.
• Celebration of individual strengths: Creative learning recognises and nurtures each child’s unique talents and abilities, especially for neurodiverse learners.

For neurodiverse children, creativity can be transformative. It provides a way to express feelings and ideas that may be hard to verbalise, and it allows them to develop skills at their own pace in a supportive, flexible environment.

How parents can foster creative learning at home
Creative learning doesn’t have to be confined to schools or workshops. With a bit of imagination, parents can create a home environment where creativity flourishes.

Here are some tips to get started:
1. Provide open-ended materials
Stock up on versatile materials like paper, paints, cardboard, glue or even household items like pasta and fabric scraps. Open-ended resources encourage children to invent, design and build without strict instructions.
2. Encourage curiosity and questions
Instead of giving answers right away, ask them questions like, “What do you think would happen if…?” or “How might you solve this?” to inspire creative thinking and problem-solving.
3. Dedicate time for play
Unstructured play is a cornerstone of creativity. Set aside time where children can explore their interests, experiment and let their imaginations run wild.
4. Incorporate creativity into everyday activities
Turn daily routines into creative opportunities – designing patterns while setting the table, inventing bedtime stories together or cooking meals as a collaborative ‘art project’.
5. Celebrate effort, not perfection
Encourage children to take risks and try new things, emphasising that mistakes are part of the learning process. Celebrate the effort they put into their creations rather than focusing on the outcome.
6. Explore the arts together
Visit museums, attend performances or explore virtual art galleries. Experiencing creativity as a family can inspire children to pursue their own artistic interests.
7. Join workshops and community events
Look for local workshops or online classes to expand your child’s creative horizons.

Creative learning is a gift for life
In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, creative learning is more important than ever. It gives children a sense of agency, helping them navigate challenges and find joy in self-expression. Whether at home or in one of our workshops, nurturing creativity is a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Explore a world of imagination with Artpod. Visit Artpod’s website to discover workshops, events and resources that bring creative learning to life for your family. Together, we can inspire the next generation of thinkers, makers and dreamers. www.artpodbtn.com

Jan 27

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The last shout

By Iain Boyle Childcare and Nannying, family, Relationships, Wellbeing

by Paul Dix
specialist in children’s behaviour

How to parent without shouting and why it’s the one tip a parenting expert says will transform your children’s behaviour.

Amongst the chaos of everyday parenting shouting feels like a natural byproduct. It is often the shortcut to calling your children to dinner/chastising them for rudeness/stopping them murdering themselves. It feels intuitive, like the right thing to do, but if you want to revolutionise the way you manage your child’s behaviour the answer is counterintuitive.

A casual shout for attention from a distance can often be the spark for confrontation, “Sam, SAM, SAAAAAAAM”, “WHAT!, why are you shouting at me flipping heck” “How dare you! Did you just swear at me….” This is intensified in the mornings as we try to raise teenagers deep in sleep by repeatedly shouting them out of bed. It needs some patience and resolve from you as a parent but the first step to change is to stop the casual shouting. Get up and speak to each other, ring a bell for dinner, agree a routine for the morning that is calm and doesn’t involve screaming. The first change, annoyingly, has to come from you. Refuse to shout, lower the volume in your home, change the intensity of your demands.

Now address the way you deal with poor behaviour. Shouting as a punishment is not effective. It underlines the “NO”, but sends all sorts of messages that you don’t want your child to receive. A shouty adult is unpredictable, seemingly angry and the worst model for emotional control. Children see, children do. If you want your child to be emotionally regulated, you need to be too. It takes a little practise but it is possible to pause, step back and see your child’s behaviour for what it really is and not as a personal attack. I know that we are all emotionally invested but emotion is not a good teacher. When it comes to behaviour your child needs a calm, rational, regulated adult. It won’t take them long to learn.

Often a child learns to change their behaviour just so that the adult doesn’t shout. The game becomes how to be more sneaky more secretively. You can get away with anything until you provoke the bear. The focus is immediately on your behaviour and not theirs. The culture in your home changes. Children behaving one way when you are there and another when the bear is asleep/out/hungover. You want your child to behave brilliantly when you are not there. They need to be able to regulate without you. Shouty parents might get their temporary needs met but they don’t meet the needs of their child. Teaching behaviour can’t be an improvisation. It needs a plan.

Having rules and holding to the boundaries is essential. You can help your child to learn those boundaries and stay within them without roaring. Instead try establishing three simple rules. Try ‘Kind, Caring, Co-operative’, or ‘Ready, Respectful, Safe’ and refer to them each time you want to correct behaviour. Use these three pegs to focus yourself and your child. “It isn’t respectful to call your Granny, ‘bruv’, ‘Remember our safe rule when we cross the road”, “I need you to be co-operative, it is an important rule, put the cake down and cut a slice”. Make sure that each time you use one of the rules you back it up with “this is how we do it here”. Your home, your rules, your culture.

Now start noticing the good stuff about your child in amongst the chaos. Encourage the idea that they can behave brilliantly. You get more of the behaviour that you notice most. Notice the behaviours that you want to encourage and link them to the rules, “Thank you for doing that without being asked, I keep noticing how kind you are” or “I noticed you were ready on time this morning. Love that.” Aim for just three moments of positive noticing a day, even on the bad days. Your child is more than their current behaviour and they need to know that you know that. The more you positively notice the harder it is for negative labels to form. Despite lapses in behaviour your child spends most of their time behaving impeccably. Notice it, build on it, encourage your child to have the most positive labels.

The route to improving your child’s behaviour and your relationship has its foundations in calm, positive interactions focused around three simple rules as mentioned earlier. It is counterintuitive but it works. In the meantime, save your shouting for inanimate objects. Strangely it makes much more sense.

Paul Dix is a specialist in children’s behaviour and the author of When the Parents Change, Everything Changes: Seismic Shifts in Children’s Behaviour

Jan 27

Love0

“… But I’m soooooo bored.” Should boredom be part of your child’s daily routine?

By Iain Boyle Education, family, fun for children, Mental health, play, Playing, Relationships, Wellbeing

by Laura Tristram
www.lumii.me

In today’s fast-paced society, boredom is typically viewed as something negative to be avoided. However, new research from the Child Mind Institute suggests that allowing children to experience boredom can actually be beneficial for both them and their parents.

Why is boredom seen negatively?
Parents, influenced by societal narratives, often perceive boredom as an unproductive and negative state. Being busy is often equated with success, leading to the belief that boredom signifies laziness. However, it’s time to rethink this notion, as boredom can play a significant role in children’s development and mental health. When children are bored, they are prompted to use their imagination and creativity to entertain themselves. This self-directed play fosters curiosity, helps them discover their interests, and enhances their innovative thinking. Research shows that engaging in monotonous tasks can boost creativity when later performing creative activities.

Overcoming challenges
Boredom teaches children resilience by encouraging them to persevere through challenges rather than becoming discouraged. This ability to persist is crucial for facing future obstacles and cultivating a proactive mindset. Dealing with the ‘problem’ of boredom enhances their problem-solving skills and self-reliance, fostering a sense of initiative and independence.

Social skills
Unstructured playtime allows children to interact with peers, developing essential social skills like negotiation, collaboration and communication. These skills are vital for forming relationships and working well with others. Successfully finding ways to entertain themselves boosts children’s confidence, helping them take risks and explore new things, thereby strengthening their self-esteem.

Positive wellbeing
Allowing children time to simply ‘be’ can significantly improve their mental health by reducing anxiety and stress. It gives them the opportunity to process their thoughts and emotions. Unstructured time helps children engage with their surroundings, often resulting in cherished memories and a happier childhood. Despite initial resistance, periods of boredom can lead to a more fulfilling and creative life.

Four easy ways to introduce more boredom
Parents can create opportunities for boredom by resisting the urge to overschedule their children. Here are four tips to help incorporate boredom into a child’s routine:
1. Set aside one day a week without structured activities
Encourage children to create their own activities on this ‘activity detox’ day, helping them explore their interests and creativity.
2. Provide simple toys
Offer materials like blocks, art supplies and household items to inspire creativity and free play.
3. Reduce screen time and encourage outdoor exploration
Take your child to open spaces and allow them to explore independently, fostering a sense of independence and creativity. Limit the use of electronic devices and encourage imaginative play instead.
4. Be a role model
Show how to embrace boredom by engaging in creative activities yourself and limiting your own screen time.

Experiencing boredom helps children develop crucial life skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and creativity, which are essential for their future success and wellbeing. Boredom also helps children build tolerance for less enjoyable experiences and encourages mindfulness, self-reflection and interpersonal communication skills.

It’s a valuable lesson for all: alongside your to-do list, create a ‘let’s be’ list. Make time to be mindfully present with those around you.

Amidst the rushing around, take a moment to walk and clear your head. These idle moments without a to-do list are important for mental clarity and happiness.

For both you and your child, embracing boredom can enhance resilience, creativity and productivity. Could embracing boredom be the antidote to burnout? By incorporating boredom into daily routines, you can help your child develop a happier, more balanced childhood.

So, the next time your child complains of being bored, resist the urge to immediately organise something for them. Instead, embrace the opportunity to foster their creativity, growth and wellbeing.

Laura Tristram is a teacher, mum and mental health and wellbeing lead. For more information please visit www.lumii.me

family

Money makes the world go round

We all understand the importance of teaching our children timeless life lessons, such as using good manners and being kind to others. However, one important lesson many of us tend to overlook is teaching our children about the value of money.

Demystifying male infertility

by Professor Geeta Nargund
Medical Director abc IVF

Pop outside and let the play begin

The importance of physical activity on children’s mental wellbeing

by Debbie Webb,
Founder of Activ8 For Kids