Now that the older kids have settled back into school, I am realising more and more how much of a challenge our home isolation has been for miss Hattie. She was really enjoying her daily adventures with just mummy and Ted, then suddenly we were stuck at home spending our days madly trying to complete a gazillion homeschool duties for the big four. She handled [read more]
As a mum of 2 boys and 4 girls I love seeing how our two sons are alike in many ways. Our oldest son Tommie (now nearly 12) was extremely interested in learning his letters when he was just a toddler and he still an avid reader now. He loved ABC puzzles, wipe off letter boards and any toy that would sound out the alphabet [read more]
Learning to read is a huge achievement, some of my children instantly ‘got it’ and others took their time to work it out and that is totally OK. I have definitely learnt that keeping it fun, exciting and entertaining helps take away some of the pressure and allows young readers to playfully make the jump from looking at pictures to proper reading. Proving you’re never [read more]
From home isolation to hoarding, from shopping limits to social distancing, from hand sanitiser to home schooling… it has been a crazy few months! There are days I myself can hardly wrap my head around everything that has happened and the impact it has on all of us, so I am not surprised that children’s heads are full of questions too. If you are looking [read more]
During our weeks of home isolation hip daddy finally finished off our outdoor cubby house and it has been a source of joy, giggles and adventures for all the kids (and even the pets). Tea parties, mums and dads, schools, deserted islands, picnics… there is no limit to their imagination and I love hearing their chatter as they play. Unfortunately the weather for outside play [read more]
While the last few months have definitely not been easy, they have also taught people all over the world some valuable lessons. I have heard so many inspiring stories from people who soaked up this precious time with their loved ones, acquired new skills, reshaped their goals for the future, became more self-sufficient, discovered a love for nature and decided to make better choices for [read more]
During these strange times of social distancing and home isolation it is more important than ever to teach children about kindness, community and caring for those who could use a smile. This sweet EK Books release by Australian author Vikki Conley has all the good stuff covered: In Ella & Mrs Gooseberry (RRP $24.99) we meet the lovely Ella and her grumpy neighbour called, you [read more]