After the birth of your baby it’s natural to feel a little blue about your changed body. Soreness, lack of sleep and boobs that no longer feel like your own are a big part of the first week of motherhood.
Don’t panic and be kind to yourself. That incredibly clever body of yours just did something magical and pride is what you should be feeling.
If a little boost of confidence is needed for a special night out, a wedding or simply taking your new babe out for lunch with a friend then an awesome padded nursing bra could be the perfect purchase.
The Best Padded Nursing Bras
Why choose a padded maternity bra?
There are lots of types of nursing bra to choose from and if you’re planning to breast-feed for a long time then building a lingerie ‘wardrobe’ is a lovely idea.
Padded nursing bras will create a fantastic shape underneath your clothes. The early stages of breast-feeding can leave your breasts uneven and ‘too full’ which can affect how you feel in your clothes.
Underwires aren’t recommended when breast-feeding (though flexi-wires are ok) so a bra with padding can provide the stability and lift missing from a non-wired bra.
The soft cotton lining will feel great on sore nipples and stretched skin.
Padded maternity bras and nursing bras will have an extra fabric layer to protect your confused boobs from the fabric of your clothes.
A padded nursing bra is a great piece of lingerie when you need to wear breast pads. The extra fabric and lining will hide the shape of the pad and provide a secure hold. Worries over leaking milk and travelling breast pads will disappear.
In some pieces, padding will give the effect of a push-up nursing bra. On a night out with the girls why not make the most of your bigger boobs and rock a gorgeous new low-cut top.
Buying the correct size of padded nursing bra
Wearing a nursing bra that is a comfortable and supportive fit is vital. Breast-feeding a baby takes planning, the right clothes, a sense of humour and patience.
Nursing a new-born is a beautiful thing, don’t let ill-fitting and annoying underwear spoil your bliss. Get fitted for your nursing lingerie by a specialist in shops such as John Lewis, Marks and Spencer or a local department store.
In the first week or two you and your little one probably won’t be going far, so an old faithful maternity bra or nursing bra bought in the last weeks of your pregnancy will be fine.
Once breast-feeding has been established, after a few weeks, your milk supply will be regulated, and the size of your boobs will settle. That’s the time to treat yourself to a shopping trip for some pretty, supportive and good quality nursing bras.
Tummy time is when your baby is placed on their tummy when they are alert and awake. A tummy time activity toy is a lovely way to make this important development time more fun and interesting for your little one.
Our shopping guide to the best baby tummy time toys
There are lots of high-quality toys being offered by trusted brands. Many will be very similar to each other so it can be difficult to choose the best. Here’s our helpful guide to our favourites, we know that you and your baby will have hours of happy fun with them.
The importance of tummy time
Tummy time is important as it helps your baby to build and strengthen the muscles that they need for sitting and crawling. They will learn to lift their shoulders, head and neck to get a better view of their fascinating new world.
Eventually your curious child will begin to reach for the textures and colours they see on their tummy time mat and the vital act of play will begin.
Increasing tummy time, as baby begins to enjoy it, will also mean less time on their backs. This will help with flat head syndrome.
When is a baby be ready for tummy time toys?
Tummy time can begin from birth, simply lay down and place you baby on your chest. Just make sure you’re not likely to drift off to sleep!
When using tummy time toys for babies always ensure your bundle of joy is also awake and alert. Stay close and keep engaging them so they reassured.
Build up tummy time slowly. Little and often is key. Start with them laid on a soft and snuggly blanket or play mat. Chat to them and stroke their faces to make it a bonding and soothing few moments of the day.
Some babies hate it and will squawk in indignation. Just try it for a minute or so and distract them with their favourite toy or try it when they have just woken from a nap or had a nappy change.
Use a tummy time pillow or a rolled-up blanket under your baby’s armpits if they struggle to lift their head and find that distressing. This will also give them a better view of the possibilities around them.
Place a toy just out of reach to encourage them to reach and grab. This builds fine motor skills and hand/eye co-ordination.
The best tummy toys for each stage
A play mat – these can be bought individually or as part of a set with a mobile that sits above. Look for soft and washable fabrics in a design that you love. Unusual textures such as crinkles and crackles, an unbreakable mirror and toys that are there to be reached for and grabbed.
A roller pillow – see below for how to get the best of this type of toy.
A fold out unbreakable mirror– this is a classic, prop your baby in front of the shiny, glittery surface and they will be a thrilled with the gorgeous creature that is staring back at them.
Water pat mats – an inflatable mat at is filled with water, glitter, floating toys and bubbles. It will also be a fab toy to use in a highchair.
How to use a tummy time roller
There a couple of types of tummy time roller and they will suit a variety of ages and development stages.
Some roller tummy toys UK manufacturers design are soft and pillow like.
They can be used to prop your baby if they are struggling to hold their head up.
They have fun activities such as mirrors, texture patches and contrasting colours.
Baby can also use it to lean back on once tummy time is over.
When he or she is older and has gained strength, the roller can be pushed, pulled and flipped over.
For older babies there is a different kind of roller.
They will be bigger to suit an older baby.
It will be round and shaped to move easily so baby will be encouraged to wriggle and eventually crawl after it.
Sometimes the toy will make music or produce sounds as it rolls along, this teaches your baby will learn about cause and effect.
One of the most exciting parts about being pregnant is buying all the baby items ready for our little one’s arrival. Such as clothes, furniture and even laundry baskets! We can spend hours browsing through all these sweet items for our little ones, so many choices are available, it is just pure cuteness overload!
We all love the idea of having the perfect nursery or bedroom for our children. Decorated with the best furniture and little knick-knacks to create a fun and friendly environment for our little ones to spend their time in.
Laundry baskets are a must-have essential with children. It’s especially at a young age where they can go through more clothes in a day then us grown-ups do in a week!
I selected in this article some of the cutest laundry baskets for your children’s rooms. With such a huge variety available, you can easily find the ideal children’s washing basket to suit yours and your child’s every need.
Here are some of our favourite baby laundry baskets
Other recommended products for storing children’s laundry
Top tips when buying a laundry basket for your children.
Make sure you buy one at the most suitable size for your requirements. Not only for the room it is going in but also the amount of laundry you feel will need to go into your basket as you do not want an overflowing basket.
If you are planning on transporting your kid’s laundry bag too and from the bedroom to the washing machine, you would want to look at a basket or bag with carrying handles.
If you are planning on placing dirty clothing that may have food or other spillages in your kid’s laundry basket then you may want one that is waterproof or washable.
If you find yourself short on space or simply do not want a laundry basket around all the time then a collapsible basket or bag would be a fantastic option for you. So you can easily put it away in storage when not in use.
Always make sure your basket or bag is safe, and it can not potentially cause harm to your children.
There is a fantastic range available, especially at online stores such as Amazon and eBay where you can find many different nursery laundry baskets or bags at affordable prices in a great choice of designs, colours and sizes.
When you first bring your baby home and stand gazing at them snuggled in their crib, it’s difficult to imagine a time when they won’t be that heart achingly helpless.
But as the weeks pass, they will kick their legs, roll over and start to enjoy tummy time. A favourite toy will make them grab and giggle. These are golden days as every movement teaches them what their little bodies are capable of, and it is incredibly exciting to watch.
So, when do babies start sitting? When is the best time to prop him up and let him see the world from a new and fascinating perspective? When do babies sit unsupported without the need for a sit and play seat? So, many questions and all will be answered in this useful guide.
How to help baby sit up – the best baby floor seat for your growing child
We’ve done the research for you and tried everything from a baby doughnut to baby chairs from 6 months. The results are in and these are the best baby sitting up aids and chairs for babies on the UK market.
When do babies start sitting up?
Babies can start to sit up from 3 or 4 months old. As soon as she starts to lift her head and take an interest in life from a different vantage point then she can be propped up to enjoy the view.
An inflatable baby floor seat designed like a giant doughnut is a perfect starting point to help your baby sit up. It will have plenty of padding and can be used for tilted tummy time too.
When can very young babies sit unaided? In the early stages Mummy and Daddy will need to stay close by to keep ‘propping’ but it is amazing how quickly her confidence and strength will develop when using a baby sit me up ring.
How to encourage baby to sit up
Many first seats for babies have toys attached or multi-sensory patches built into the fabric. These keep them entertained so that they happy to sit for longer. It not about knowing how to teach baby to sit up, it is more important to let them decide when they are ready and then simply encourage it.
A baby activity seat such as the Bumbo is great as it places your child in a safe and secure spot while positioning their body in a way that builds their muscles to support them in an upright position.
When can a baby sit up without support or a sit and play seat?
When do babies sit up alone? It is a stage by stage process that is a delight to behold. Their little faces are joyous as they make independent grabs for toys and watch the people who they love.
The stage after the ‘leaning’ stage will begin at 5-6 months. Your poppet will start to sit with their hands propping them up in front of them. Toppling is normal and natural so only ever let them do this on the floor and maybe provide a few cushions for a soft landing.
You will find that sitting up aids for babies aren’t usually needed after 9 months. That is when neck and core strength will have developed fully.
As isolation continues any initial enthusiasm around home schooling is likely to have waned. Carefully created timetables have been ripped up and chaos is like a wolf at the door.
The question of when the schools will re-open doesn’t seem to have been thought about never mind decided upon and we know that maintaining the education of our offspring is a priority, so we’ve produced a guide to the best educational apps and websites available to U.K parents.
We’ve found educational apps for android and IOS, so no one misses out. All the work is done for you. Because, let’s be honest, when we’ve been ‘teaching’ since 10am and the G&T is calling, we really don’t want to be Googling ‘The best educational iPad apps to keep my 6-year-old entertained’ do we?!
Educational apps for toddlers
Top educational apps for kids in primary school
Top educational apps for teenagers
Preschool educational sites
The best educational sites for primary school kids
So, if you’re a parent at the coal face of home schooling we hope these recommendations for educational apps and websites have been useful.
If you need further help and advice have a read of our articles: ‘Activity ideas to entertain your kids at home during the Corona virus lock down’ and ‘Five tips to homeschool your kids during lockdown’
I don’t know you, but since I ‘ve had my son I’ve been doing laundry daily. I feel like my washing machine is always on.
It’s incredible how much washing such a little person can create on a day to day basis. Through many leaks, spills and hiccups, our babies can get through more clothes in a day, than we do in a week!
And some stains are so stubborn!
The skin of our babies is very sensitive and delicate, so it is a common concern for us parents to choose baby detergents that are safe and won’t cause any reactions on their skin.
With so many different washing powders for babies out there, finding the best baby laundry detergent that will get rid of the neon orange stains but be soft on their clothes can be difficult. We’ve put them to the test and selected the best ones.
Our guide of the best baby washing powder
Here are some of the best-recommended washing powders for newborn babies and toddlers you can buy in the UK.
Everything you need to know about baby detergent to wash your little one’s clothing
What is the difference between bio and non-bio detergents?
Biological detergents contain enzymes, these enzymes are more effective at breaking down dirt and removing stains although they can cause skin reactions to those with sensitive skin.
Non-biological detergents do not contain these enzymes but will still wash your clothes efficiently but they may require a higher temperature.
Do baby clothes need washing with non-bio detergents?
Although some babies would be fine with their clothes washing in biological detergent, it is recommended to use non-biological just to be on the safe side as babies do have more sensitive skin.
What temperature water should baby clothes be washed with?
All laundry detergents will state on the packaging what temperature the clothes should be washed with.
I personally do 30*C for coloured outfits and 40*C for white clothes.
Even some non-biological detergents can be washed at low temperatures which is great for the environment and can save on extra pennies yet still making sure your clothes are still clean and fresh.
How much baby laundry detergent should be used per wash?
It will always state on the detergent packaging the required dosage per wash. Never exceed this amount as using too much detergent in your wash can also cause a skin reaction.
Is there bio and non-bio fabric softeners?
There are many different types of fabric softeners otherwise known as conditioners available. They come in biological or non-biological. If you are worried about potential skin reactions make sure that you purchase a non-biological softener for your clothes.
Here are some recommendations:
Comfort pure – a very common product used in many households. Fantastic softener for use on baby clothing.
Ecover fabric softener – plant-based biodegradable softener, great for the environment and gentle on skin
Fairy fabric conditioner – another popular family favourite, designed for those with sensitive skin
What can you use for extra stubborn stains?
If you have stains that look hard to remove just from a normal wash there are some products available suitable to be used on baby clothes.
Ecover stain remover – plant-based stain remover with built-in brush to make it easier to remove unwanted marks
Eco-egg stain remover – contains plant extracts and other biodegradable ingredients designed for sensitive skin
Alternatively, if you do not wish to use any stain removal products, you can soak the clothes in either baking soda or lemon juice before washing to help lift tough stains.
Also, make sure you do not overload your washing machine as this can affect how clean your clothes will get.
Do all your baby’s items need to be washed with non-bio products?
Whether it is baby blankets, towels or toys. Anything that comes into contact with your baby should be washed using non-biological detergent to avoid any potential skin reactions.
One of the great joys (and annoyances!) of breast-feeding is having much bigger boobs than normal. Most women will go up at least two cup sizes!
The best nursing bras for strapless dresses
In all honesty, there are only a few strapless nursing bra UK retailers sell. We’ve done the groundwork and found the best of what there is to choose from. You’re welcome!
When to get measured for a nursing bra
Nursing bra shopping will be required a few weeks after your baby has been born.
When a breast-feeding routine has been established and your milk supply has regulated, your boobs will have grown as much as they are going to and your tummy will have begun to get smaller. This is when it’s time to get measured.
Having a proper fitting with a bra specialist in shops such as Bravissimo, Marks & Spencer or John Lewis is very important.
Why would you need to invest in a strapless nursing bra?
So, what happens when you have a May Ball or a summer wedding to go to? Have you fallen in love with a gorgeous strapless dress that would be PERFECT if it weren’t for your enormous new boobs?!
And what about your beautiful but VERY hungry baby? A spaghetti strap dress for hot days won’t work with a ‘supportive but matronly’ nursing bra and a baby who needs to latch on.
Maybe you have lots of lovely camisole tops or holiday styles you’d love to wear but would look ugly with your standard nursing bras?
A fantastic strapless nursing bra is exactly what you need when buying and wearing dresses to breastfeed in. Yes, they do exist. There aren’t many it’s true but there ARE both bandeau and multi-way styles to choose from.
But first! Here’s a strapless bra trick or two to consider when shopping:
Buy a strapless maternity bra with a smaller band size than you usually wear. The tighter band will act as extra support to keep your boobs high and happy. This is advice from the gorgeous model, Ashley Graham who has lots of experience of both motherhood and dressing DD+ breasts.
Choose a maternity strapless bra that has removable straps such as a multi-way. Remove both straps, then take one and wrap it round where your bra will sit on your ribs and secure it. This will add stability and lift without getting in the way of the drop cup and your baby’s feed.
Looking for a more sporty bra to stay active? Have a look at our favourite sport nursing bras!
How do I home school my child? That’s what the parents of the U.K have been asking desperately for the last few weeks.
The consensus from teachers, education experts, child psychologist and other Mums and Dads seems to be:
Do you best with the space, time and energy you have.
Don’t freak out about them falling behind, every child is in the same unprecedented position.
Make it fun and create learning moments from their interests. Combining maths and baking is a great example.
Try and be organised and follow a planned routine.
Reward effort with stickers and praise.
To check progress and understanding swop roles with your child and ask them to teach you the subject they have been learning about.
Home School Curriculum
The home school curriculum UK teachers recommend is to concentrate on the core subjects of Maths and English during structured learning time and add the other subjects in during moments of play or relaxation.
For details of the National Curriculum click this link You’re not expected to follow it but it’s helpful to see why the school has chosen to send the resources that they have.
Check out the free online homeschool websites. You’ll find lots of ideas for how to teach a variety of lessons, from core subjects to modern languages.
Literacy
Follow the guidance set by your child’s school and read home school blogs for more ideas on how to stealthily bring learning into day to day activities. Writing a letter to the Nanna they are missing or reading the recipe for the chocolate buns you’re making.
Maths
Home school maths lessons should follow the lesson plans provided by the school and then be brought into fun activities such as baking and playing shop.
Science
Easy-peasy homeschool science lessons can be enjoyed by chatting to your kids about what they see and think while watching David Attenborough’s ‘The Blue Planet’.
Spring is here and, if you have a garden, it can serve as a giant scientific laboratory. Planting, watering, building a bug hotel and talking about the effects of the weather are all fantastic learning experiences.
Art
An art lesson will be your most fun but messiest home school idea. You kids have had their little worlds turned upside down so treat them to some fabulous and joyous creative afternoons. Paint cheerful rainbows for the windows, build noisy musical instruments to cheer the NHS and get the potatoes out for some printing.
The number of home school hours per day UK teachers recommend would follow the 9am to 3pm school day. If you’re working from home or have vulnerable relatives to care for this isn’t going to happen every day.
Create a classroom
How to home school in a limited space is challenging. If you live in a big house you’re laughing, use an entire room. You might be struggling in a small flat, make ‘school’ the contents of their favourite bag and a cushion that they either sit or lean on to work.
For older children set aside a space at the dining table that belongs to them and their ‘stuff. If that means ‘teas on knees’ for the duration of lockdown, then so be it!
For little ones it’s fine to take the lessons with you as you move around the house and garden.
How to be a home-school teacher
If you’re wondering how to home school your child and be a parent at the same time, these tips will help:
‘Why?’ is an important question for kids so start with allowing them to ask lots of questions as to why they are being home-schooled, why you are asking them to do a particular task and why it’s a good idea that they sit at the table to do their writing.
Let them make decisions about their new school. Choose a name, design a badge and let them decorate the room they’ll learn in.
Communicate everything. Let them know what the routine will be ‘We are starting at 9am because…’ ‘Numeracy will be worked on each week day because…’ Children are much more biddable when they understand what’s going on, what is expected of them and why.
Discuss the ‘School Rules’. Lunch at 12.30, now talking over each other etc. Allowing your charges to be involved in the creation of the rules will make them respect them more.
Local support
How to homeschool your child is something that can be deliberately over amongst other parents. Share hints and tips on weekly Zoom meetings or WhatsApp groups. You WILL need to rant and each of you will require support at times.
Family and friends
My Dad has a very keen interest in astronomy and some of the conversations he has had with my children about physics and the universe have been hugely influential.
Think about who you know that has knowledge of individual subjects. Set up FaceTime, Zoom or telephone chats with them and your kids
Home school groups for virtual playtime
Home school groups can be easily set up with software such as Zoom. At ‘playtime’ or on your lunch break coordinate with the families of your son or daughter’s school friends and let them enjoy some virtual playtime.
Homeschool Resources
Information from the school
Home school groups should have been set up by your child’s school to give them access to:
Teacher’s work emails
Worksheets
Tests
Recommended reading
Lesson plans
What they receive will depend on their age and the school but have a look through all the documents. Even if you trust your teenager to get the work done it’s good to stay in the know.
Homeschool worksheets
Free homeschool worksheets have been added to this article to help you set ‘home-work’ and encourage further learning. Download it here
Home-school books to use
Collins has a fantastic range of books that can be used for homeschooling. There are loads of subjects included and they are aimed at each the Key Stage. You can find the entire serie of study books here
If you’re interested in looking for educational resources and online home school programmes to work alongside what your child has received from their teacher(s), read our article on the best homeschool apps and home school websites.
Our free Homeschool Worksheet
Right click on the image and save them on your computer or print them! It’s FREE!
Weaning your baby can be a time of anxiety for many parents. Knowing when to start, what food to prepare and how to supervise your baby’s meals is confusing, especially when everyone will have a strong opinion on what you should do.
Our shopping guide to the best baby food blender
Here’s a quick guide to the best food blender UK retailers sell. We’ve tested these on our own homemade baby foods and sourced reviews and opinions on the best food blenders from friends and family who have little ones.
A step-by-step guide to weaning your baby
When to start weaning your baby
Advice from the NHS is that babies should be weaned from six months of age. A good general rule is that they should be able to sit up independently, have an increasing interest in the food you’re eating and be losing the ‘tongue thrust’ reflex which will make them immediately spit out food.
Methods of feeding
Spoon feeding
This is the traditional method of weaning and was used when babies were introduced to solids at four months. Parents spoon feed their baby small amounts of pureed food. Smooth textures will reduce the risk of choking.
In a few weeks you would start to introduce lumpy food and increase the size of the chunks as they (and you!) become more confident. Use a baby blender and steamer to control the texture of the food you present.
Eventually your pride and joy will learn to use the spoon by themself and put chunks of food in their mouth with their fingers.
Baby led weaning.
This is an idea that has become more popular in the last few years. You give your tiny tot pieces of lots of different kinds of foods and let them decide what they like and how much they want to eat. Stay with your baby throughout mealtimes and seek guidance on how big the pieces of food should be.
Chunky purees should also be on the menu for your baby as stews, soups, sauces, goulashes and mashes are a staple part of our diets. Use a baby blender to prepare small, experimental portions.
BLW is a messy process and, at first, it will feel as though all the food is wasted but stick with it and very soon your clever and determined little one will be picking up food, putting it their mouth and chewing with great pleasure.
How to cook the food
The best way to cook your baby food is by steaming. This method cooks evenly, without boiling and keeps all the nutrition inside the food. Boiling releases the ‘juices’ and vitamins and minerals are often washed away in the cooking water.
What your baby should eat
There are no rules other than to introduce foods that may cause an allergic reaction individually, slowly and in small amounts so you can watch for a reaction. This includes cow’s milk, eggs, nuts and peanuts, seeds, foods with gluten in, soya, fish and shellfish)
Try your baby with savoury veg and mild fruits first. Broccoli, parsnip, potato and pear are all great options. This stops them developing a sweet tooth. Banana, carrot and sweet potatoes can be included with pasta and bread something you try after a few weeks.
First foods – a kit guide
Highchair
Choose a high chair that is comfortable, safe and supportive for baby and is also at the right height for you to feed them and for them to sit at the dining table. Take a look at our selection of handy highchairs for your toddler.
Splash or Messy Mat
This is essential! Invest in a snazzy apron for you, your partner AND the dog because things are about to get messy! Babies who are experimenting will throw food, squish it between their fingers, put it in your hair during a hug and get in every nook and cranny of their highchair.
Spoons and Bowls
If you’re looking for cute accessories to go with your baby blender, Asda Little Angels have lots of great value options. Here’s what you’ll need:
Soft grip, baby sized spoons.
Soft grip forks for older babies.
Small bowls that can be attached with suction to the highchair tray or table.
Place mats that can be attached to the highchair tray or table.
A soft grip ‘sippy’ cup to for water during mealtimes.
Bibs – here’s what to consider
Robust Velcro fastening.
Big! Choose ones that cover little arms and torsos.
Consider a buying a full body splash suit and take the highchair outside!
Buy lots! They will need washing A LOT!
A sense of humour
This is an essential item that you’ll NEED as an accessory to your new baby food blitzer. Try and relax about the whole process. Your baby won’t always enjoy the food you’ve lovingly prepared. Your home will have banana stains in strange places, and they will ALWAYS be discovered your mother-in-law. It’s a long, fun process and hopefully by the end of it you’ll have a toddler who adores all kinds of food.
The times we are going through are unprecedented, scary and overwhelming. They are also an opportunity to spend more quality time than ever before with our kids. But, how to entertain your kids at home? That’s the million-dollar question! Hopefully this guide will give you some useful, inexpensive and fun ideas to entertain children for the weeks and months to come.
A Garden camp – activity ideas for kids who want to sleep under the stars
Dig out the tent or buy one – have an adventure to the loft/garage or let them help pick out their new outdoor bedroom.
Help older kids to set the tent up but let them try themselves first. It’s an engineering and problem-solving challenge.
Cook dinner on a primus stove with them but make sure they are supervised. You don’t want to set fire to your garden!
Let them sleep out as often as they want to. If the garden is private and safe, and the kids are old enough, they can be left out by themselves.
Invest in a basic tent for close to home fun. Available here.
Gardening
Let them create an area of the garden just for them by choosing plants in the colours they love.
Plan and plant a veg patch and fruit trees. Which of their favourite foods could they try and grow?
Let your babes help you with the weeding and the pruning. They will get lots of satisfaction from a job well done
Can’t get hold of seeds or plants? Use cuttings from existing plants in the garden or the pips from apples.
This is a very ‘grown up’ looking children’s gardening set which kids will love.
Star gazing in the garden on a clear night.
This is a fantastic way to teach your child about astronomy, physics and the joy and peace of the night sky. Help them draw a map of the stars, search for the Space Station and marvel at how teeny tiny we really all are.
Physical activity ideas for kids
Physical activity for kids is super important for the health of both the body and mind. This is a wonderful chance to start exercise habits that will hopefully last a lifetime.
Family Sports Day
Sadly, it’s highly likely that your children won’t have a Sports Day to enjoy this year. Re-create the crazy fun of the day in your garden. Here are some classic races to try:
Eggs and spoon (Or tennis ball and spade?)
Sprints
Sack races for toddlers (with pillowcases!)
Hurdles (Or cushion jumping?)
Bleep test (Use mini cones)
Finish off the day with high energy games to entertain kids and tire them out.
If you don’t have the kit at home invest in one of these mega packs, it will be fab for future summer days or birthday parties too.
P.E with Joe Wickes
This is one of the very best free activity ideas for kids. You just need internet access and a screen. Available on Joe Wickes’ YouTube channel every weekday at 9.30am. Joe is enthusiastic, inclusive and inspiring. You’ll enjoy getting involved every morning too!
Circuit classes
A mini gym class with kit to be completed every day or every other day. Parents and carers MUST join in!
It will help with:
Routine
Expending all that pent-up energy
Keeping them healthy
Family bonding time
This is a great website with lots of ideas for a children’s circuit using ‘equipment’ you’ll already have at home. Click here to be inspired.
These co-ordination boosting and super fun kits would make a great circuit station for younger children.
How to entertain children on a rainy day
Film Festival
Entertain kids indoors with a movie marathon when it’s raining outside. Here’s our top tips on how to make the fun last all day.
Choose a movie together. Everyone gets one choice and must make a small speech as to why they think their film should win. Vote!
Make the snacks. Plain popcorn with their favourite toppings is a good plan. Melted marshmallows, drizzled honey and raspberries has always been loved in our house.
Dress up for the occasion. Posh dresses and sparkle for the girls and a tie and hat for the boys. Put on a little fashion show as though you’re attending a glamourous premiere.
Get lots of cushions and blankets on the sofa and snuggle. This is one of the great tricks to entertain kids that allows you to chill out too.
Create a photo diary
Encourage your kids to notice and think about all the happy, funny and kind moments from each week. Entertain the kids while keeping them positive and grateful for all the lovely moments in an unsettling time.
Use a cheap digital camera.
Dig out an old phone and use the camera on that.
Make or buy a beautiful photo album.
This camera is amazing value and the kids will love that it’s a ‘grown up’ piece of equipment rather than something pink and plastic. Buy here
Make a den
It’s a classic way to entertain children, pure old-fashioned fun using clothes horses and old sheet. Things to entertain kids needn’t be expensive, all you need is a clothes horse or two and double or king-size bed sheets.
Educational activity ideas for kids
Educational activity ideas for kids are EVERYWHERE. If you think about it all activities will have a learning moment, you just need to point them out.
Cooking and baking
Good messy fun with a delicious result at the end. They are always high on the list for most parents wondering how to entertain young children but here’s how you can use cooking and baking as an educational task too.
Maths – get them to add up how grams is in each recipe or how many eggs will go into each portion of the cake.
Weighing and measuring.
Literacy – reading the recipe, writing ‘Cooks Notes’ for next time and a ‘Review’ of the food after it’s been devoured.
Science – explain heat and conductivity.
This is a simply gorgeous gift to cheer up and encourage the next generation of Master Chefs. Purchase here.
Science experiments
How to entertain kids who love science? Google or check Pinterest for safe scientific experiments to do in your kitchen.
Science toys like this comprehensive ‘Circuit Kit’ are also an awesome idea, especially for today’s tech savvy children. My two adored their version of this when they were younger. Buy one here.
Write a book and illustrate it
Entertain kids at home with by unleashing their creativity and imagination. You will also combine literacy, reading and art into one absorbing task.
Let them research the kind of story they would write on the internet and ask them to ‘take notes’ on what they discover.
Discuss how a book works. Setting the scene, characterisation and splitting the story into chapters.
Buy a proper book with a hard back that can be decorated so that their book feels special when it’s done.
This hard-back notebook is perfect for your future Booker Prize Winner. Purchase here.
Easter activity ideas for kids
Here’s a quick guide how to entertain children at home so that they still get to do some of the Easter and springtime activities that they would have enjoyed at school.
Egg decorating competition – using boiled eggs, felt tips, paint, glitter and coloured card.
Easter bonnet competition – entertain your children with a time-honoured tradition. Use straw hats or a crown made from card, flowers from the garden, feathers and anything else you can find in the craft drawer.
Make cute spring creatures from all kinds of home sourced equipment – chicks and bunnies are the easiest to do, this amazing website will inspire you, click here.
Art and craft activity ideas for kids
One of the best ways to entertain kids at home is to set up a different craft table every day. These fun activity ideas for kids would usually be a nightmare for parents but this is a time that we all need to remember, if they are occupied and quiet, the mess is worth it!
Play Doh – I know, I hate it too!
Painting – create a giant frieze painting on a large roll of paper, ideal for the garden
Glitter and glue art – glitter tattoos are a lovely idea right now as they won’t get into trouble at school.
Colouring in – you can buy some amazing colouring books now. This is especially good way to entertain kids and chill them out at the same time. This is a lovely one for older kids. Click here to buy.
The importance of relaxation and golden time
Remember! Finding things to entertain kids at home is important, but so is downtime for you and them.
We’re going to be searching for fun games to entertain the kids for many weeks. Don’t use up all your ideas straight away.
One ‘activity’ a day is perfect, especially as we have having to be teachers too! Have a read of our article: Tips to homeschool your kids for ideas and advice on how to maintain your children’s education.
Parents are constantly asking themselves: ‘Arrggh!! How to entertain children over a number of weeks!?’ Don’t put so much pressure on yourself, your young ones don’t have to be ‘doing’ all day and every day.
Let your children just be. Golden time is an intrinsic part of the school day so follow their lead. Create a comfy chill-out space for reading, iPad time, naps and watching a TV programme.
