The rise of gaming disorder and screen addicted kids in this coronavirus world
Apr 03 2020
In the matter of a few weeks the coronavirus has or will soon change most of our comfortable family routines. I could rattle off a list of “non screen” activities for parents to encourage at home during this “social distancing” period like board games, painting, trampoline, card games…. the list goes on. But most parents, especially those with older children, will rebut through gritted teeth “This bloke is dreaming. No child is going to pick that stuff over screen time”.
How to help Your child choose the right University course
Apr 02 2020
One of the most important aspects of parenting is ensuring that your child develops a strong sense of independence at an early age. Much of this comes from giving them free rein to make the decisions they feel are best for them. However, a certain degree of intervention is sometimes necessary.
If your child is undecided about what they want to study after high school, it’s up to you to guide them down the right path to choose a University course. Of course, no parent can rely solely on personal experience to make their judgement. Times have changed, and higher education today is a different landscape.
To help you make a more informed decision, here are some pointers on choosing the right university course for your child.
Film review: Trolls World Tour
Apr 01 2020
In these weird times of self-isolation we all need cheering up and the perfect movie to that effect is Trolls World Tour, an exhilarating animation perfect to connect the kids generation with their parents through a cool story, quirky characters and amazing music.
As an extra treat, check out my interview with film director Walt Dohrn I caught up with before the pandemic lockdown. Trolls World Tour is available at home on-demand from 6th April.
Women feel pressure to ‘get back to normal’ post birth yet self care is key during the 4th trimester
Mar 31 2020
A new survey conducted by Multi-Gyn and Multi-Mam finds that over a third of women (39%) felt pressure to lose their post pregnancy baby weight. Additionally, nearly a fifth (20%) felt pressure to get back into a fitness regime.
In reality, with the body adjusting to very little sleep and the demands of a newborn baby, for some women the challenges of this fourth trimester can be difficult without any added pressures. A lack of education, support and conversation about this time leaves many women unprepared for what to expect.
Every body and every birth is different, but self-care during this trimester is particularly important. Here are 5 ways to help heal your body and enjoy this new stage of life with a precious newborn:
Book of the month: Climate Rebels by Ben Lerwill
Mar 31 2020
There is no need to explain how serious the coronavirus pandemic is. While the world has stopped and we are stuck indoor in self-isolation, from the safety of our homes, we watch as the air clears in China, as Venice’s canals shimmer an emerald green full of dolphins, as the plane-free blue skies are full of singing birds, as the ozone hole is repairing itself. As a society, we have been on a trajectory that was simply not sustainable. As humans have retreated, nature is flourishing. Mother nature has been crying out for help for some time and now is showing us that she can recover, when given the chance. A new non-fiction hardback, Climate Rebels, by Ben Lerwill, covers the personal journeys of those humans from around the world who have dedicated their lives to fight to save our planet. Climate Rebels is a beautifully illustrated collection of 25 inspiring true stories and London Mums have voted it book of the month for April 2020.
From Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough, to lesser-known heroes such as turtle-protector Len Peters and the poacher patrollers The Black Mambas, these stories are proof that one person’s actions can grow into something big and powerful, that can help change the world.
4 Tips to help you survive baby-led weaning during lockdown
Mar 30 2020
As lockdown comes into effect, you may be wondering how you are going to make it out with your sanity still intact. While everyone is going to be suffering from cabin fever, this is especially so for those parents who will be confined to their homes with a young baby who have just started baby-led weaning. Here are some tips to help maximise the bonding and to help minimise the stress of the experience.
