https://www.tinies.com/ Access a collection of free articles, downloads and comments in Our Favourites and the Tinies Blog. We aim to answer parents' questions, set their mind at ease, and help them make some difficult decisions. https://www.tinies.com//media/graphics/Tinies-nanny-agency-UK-RSS.png 111 50 en-gb https://www.tinies.com//blog/work-life-balance.html
Mum and business owner Georgina reflects on what work-life balance means for her, and shares tips for a happier life. | One of my goals for 2022 is to become better at -or should I say attend?- Yoga sessions. There, I spend an hour trying to balance on one leg, doing sun salutations and whatever strange and painful pose the instructor feels fit. I'm not great, but I manage. Ask me to close my eyes, and it's a disaster; I wobble, topple and...

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Tinies consultant Georgia shares some insights on ensuring you can get the most out of your online learning experience. | We all now know that online learning is the new norm. The pandemic has taught us one thing: online education is more convenient. It has also become more accessible for many of us, allowing us to take part in courses and training from the comfort of your own home. Instead of attending college or joining an apprenticeship...

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Mum and business director Ashleigh Whatley-Purdy shares her views and tips on challenging gender stereotypes in childcare and at home. | As a mother of a young boy, I find that equipping our young children with the tools to think laterally on gender can sometimes be tricky, as naturally occurring gender bias and stereotypes are very much present in today's society. However, leading our children in the right direction on these issues should not...

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Getting your family on board to make changes can be difficult. We are bombarded with news about how every part of our lives is harming the environment and changes need to be made. But what can we do? | Living in Glasgow, I could not fail to see and hear ALL about COP26 in November 2021. It was a huge deal for the city of Glasgow. There were representatives from across the world visiting our city to talk about climate change and although there...

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These days, along with all of the above, we are having to educate and protect our children from dangers that come from within our own homes, from their own toys and devices. Toys and devices that we have bought them. | As parents we think we have it covered when it comes to protecting our kids. We teach them right from wrong and how to call 999 in an emergency. We teach them about stranger danger and enrol them into karate lessons to ensure that...

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Morton Michel shares some advice to nannies on what to do if things go wrong with the family | Good nannies become part of the family, and families are about trust. You trust your family to have your back when you need it, and even when they get things wrong, you trust them to make amends. No nanny expects their employers to be faultless, and in return, no family should expect their nanny to be perfectly perfect in every way. Here are three...

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With more vacancies in the childcare sector than ever before, we thought it would be useful to share some top tips when preparing for and attending an interview within an Early Years setting. | Feeling nervous about your next nursery interview? Always remember that the interview is a two way process, you need to convince the interviewer(s) that you are the person for the job but they also need to convince you that they are the setting for you!...

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Learn more about Shirly Biando, Tinies Childcarer Champion 2021 | How did you first learn about Tinies? I first learnt about Tinies from a friend and then on Facebook. How did you feel about being the winner of the Tinies Childcarer Champion 2021 award? Being the Tinies Childcare Champion 2021 gave me happiness and purpose in life. It was overwhelming to be recognised for doing the job that I do. It really was a big deal for me. And to think...

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Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and this is no different for children. In fact, mental health problems often arise during childhood, and it is essential to address them early on to prevent more severe issues in the future. | In this article, we will explore various aspects of mental health for children, including the importance of mental health, common problems, how parents and childcarers can support children with...

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Congratulations on becoming a qualified childcarer! As you embark on this exciting new career path, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of childcare. But don't worry, this quick start guide will provide you with some key tips and resources to help you get started. | Register with the appropriate regulatory bodyIn order to work legally as a registered childcarer in the UK, you will need to register with the appropriate regulatory body....

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I'll start this journey by discovering I would be a father of triplets. At the time, we lived in UAE, I was a freelance barber, and my wife was a business teacher. | I will never EVER forget that day in the hospital, it was our second scan, the first a month or so, before confirming the pregnancy. The doctor started the scan and was asking odd questions, about using birthing treatments to help get pregnant, of course, our answer was no as we had...

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Sports play a pivotal role in the lives of children, offering far more than just physical activity. Engaging in sports activities not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also nurtures crucial life skills, character development, and overall well-being. In this article, we will explore the myriad benefits that sports bring to children, highlighting the positive impact on their physical, mental, and social aspects. | From improved physical...

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In today's globalised world, the ability to communicate in multiple languages has become increasingly valuable, and exposing children to different languages from a young age provides a plethora of cognitive, social, and cultural benefits. | The human brain is uniquely equipped to acquire language during childhood, making it an opportune time to embark on a multilingual journey. In this article, we will explore the numerous advantages that...

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Black History Month is an important time to recognise and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and culture of Black individuals throughout history. Teaching young children about Black History Month can be a valuable and enlightening experience, even for preschoolers as young as 3-4 years old. However, it's crucial to approach these lessons with sensitivity, respect, and age-appropriate activities. DO'S Choose Age-Appropriate...

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As we step into 2024, a new year unfolds with fresh opportunities for those looking to make a difference in the fulfilling field of childcare. | This blog post is crafted to inspire and guide childcare professionals, whether seasoned or new, on how to nurture their careers within the evolving landscape of UK childcare. Adopting Modern Approaches and Specialisations Step confidently into 2024 by embracing contemporary methods in childcare....

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When we listen to our Tinies Childcarer of the Year nominees, it becomes evident that Tinies isn't just an agency; it's a community that empowers individuals to flourish in their roles. In the words of our nominees, the fusion of freedom, friendliness, and efficiency within Tinies has cultivated an environment where childcare professionals thrive. Join us as we explore the unique experiences and perspectives that make Tinies the preferred choice...

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Step into the world of childcare with James, our esteemed Tinies UK Childcarer Champion of 2023. With over 15 years of experience, James's journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to shaping young minds. | From nurseries to after-school clubs, he has donned various roles, including childcare officer and mentor to trainees. Join us as we unravel the experiences and insights that define James's exceptional career in childcare....

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This week I'm equal parts caregiver, chef, and referee apparently | Sibling rivalry, a concept as old as humanity itself. You'd think we would have a better grasp on how to deal with it by now. The start of the school year always comes with new challenges, and most parents and children can feel overwhelmed for the first couple of months. But, things generally settle down and everyone finds their flow by December. Winter Break - The Battle Lines...

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The other week, Fred gets home at around the same time as my husband. Fred comes into my office to have a chat with me, as he does on a daily basis, and my husband, Toby, follows. Fred proceeds to talk to us about his day, and we listen and chat back with him. Then, Toby says to him: "Tell-the-truth time, I just caught you vaping. I saw the smoke coming out of your mouth"... Fred immediately denies it. However, Toby is adamant about his point;...

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Ever been in an interview and wished you could take back a comment you made? Here's a few comments this parent wishes she could unhear from interview stage to on the job | Nannies? As a working parent, I've met a few. Long-term, short-term, temporary, night-time, emergency, maternity, wrap-around. I've met tall ones, small ones, old ones, young ones, noisy ones, shy ones. All with something to offer. Some, ahem, more than others. Here are some...

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"You're a Manny? What on earth possessed you to do that?" A quote I hear too often | When I was a little boy I didn't think my dream job would involve changing nappies and helping with homework (go figure). Having been a professional Male Nanny or 'Manny' for the better part of a decade I have to admit it is the most rewarding thing I've ever done. A guy working in a childcare setting is rare enough but there are even less who work as "mannies"...

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I often ask myself, is it a curse or a privilege to be a child's favourite toy? | There are most certainly benefits; you get to go on daytrips, foreign holidays, heck you even have birthday parties and best of all you get cuddled (albeit in a headlock) all night. Round the world travels I don't exaggerate when I say Lamby goes everywhere with my daughter. It's true, and there is often a tale to tell at the end of it all. I remember one of the...

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Ten... is a conservative estimation of how many times a day I ask 'Where's Lamby?'. | It's ridiculous as sometimes I even ask the question when I can see my daughter holding him, I am just simply conditioned to ask the question. But other times, the real fear creeps up and takes over when I realise, I haven't seen Lamby in at least the last hour!!! Travelling toys Now, it is not helped by the fact that my daughter loves, and has done since a...

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Six months of staring at his face, checking he was still breathing and watching Homes Under the Hammer on repeat had to come to an end. I had to go back to work, dammit. | Pre-birth, the plan had always been nursery. But post-birth? I needed Mary Poppins, I needed Nanny McPhee, I'd probably settle for Mrs Doubtfire if push came to shove. I needed experience, maturity, authority, security and a big bosom for the kind of hugs you need when the...

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10 Christmas lessons I have learnt as a mother of three | Remember those days, BC (before children), when leaving every bit of shopping, decorating, wrapping to Christmas eve was romantic, atmospheric and gloriously spontaneous, like a scene from The Holiday? Well, game's over. Right now, if your stress levels are not at the point where you don't have enough space in your head to finish a sentence and lists are written again and again on every...

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Learning to find ways to cope with a crazy school run helps me stay sane | Anyone else have a crazy morning, and find the school run just adds enough stress to bring you to boiling point Setting the scene You've hit snooze one too many times. "You never get me anything I WANT for breakfast." Wails your crabby 6-year old, as he's refusing to eat. Your 8-year-old is moaning. She doesn't have time to finish her drawing. There isn't time to plait...

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Whether it's Christmas lights or Santa, Christmas can't come soon enough for some families | I particularly love the final display of fireworks on Bonfire night, because as that last glittery ember fades, it's officially Christmas in my books. I won't hear of this 'Christmas only being 12 days' nonsense. As far as I am concerned, festivities can start early November - it coincides with all the Christmas adverts on the telly anyway. Better still,...

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Justifying hundreds of pounds for a weekend of music and drink must be carefully considered because, school uniform purchasing is just around the corner. | With festival season just around the corner, the intense urge to attend one becomes a reality. You want to immerse yourself in to some old and new tunes, whilst temporarily leaving your everyday life at the front door. Then you remember... you are a parent. Justifying hundreds of pounds for a...

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Sometimes, mothers need a little extra help and that's okay | When you run a business providing Maternity Nurses to new parents, you get asked "is it really worth getting a maternity nurse when I have a baby?" on a regular basis. Of course I believe it's worth it and have recently found myself regretting the fact that I didn't have one when my second child came along. To be honest, I don't think I've had a decent nights sleep since. Feeling...

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Our first truly important decision as parents is looming: to decide on where our daughter receives her education. If I had it my way I would sell our house and travel the world with just us three. Education through experiencing different cultures would be my preferred method of teaching my daughter about the world in which she lives. However, that is not going to happen so state education it is then | Choosing the right school for our daughter I...

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The process of becoming like my own parents has begun. In a light-hearted way, of course | This 'adulting' lark ages you | I often sit down (in my slippers) and wonder how quickly my first three decades have passed. I believe I am now adopting some very pensioner-esque traits. It feels like only yesterday I was eating a Mars Bar from the school vending machine... for breakfast. I was a risk-taker I now find myself eating tinned mackerels on...

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Over a year ago I wrote on this blog about the problems of finding childcare when your children start school. We had hoped that the Government would do more to help working parents with wrap around childcare, but it is not high on the political agenda | So I thought I would help parents out there who are looking for solutions, by providing a list of the various options and what I see as the pros and cons of each. 1) Before and After School Clubs...

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Don't get me wrong, trainers are comfy, but there's nothing like a good set of heels! Who would have thought that wearing them would make me look forward to work? | I spent my young and single years in New York City. I didn't take cabs and ate pasta at home - when I wasn't out being fabulous. I endured years of this so I could save up for nice handbags and cute shoes: I have a pretty good collection now. Sadly, they are mostly in hibernation....

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Have you ever felt like sneaking away from your children when they are playing happy, rather than experiencing their upset when you say goodbye? | I was recently part of an online discussion on this subject. This was the request received online, from a mother of child 18mths"Why is it recommended that parents should say goodbye to their children, rather than sneak away when they play happily in their child care setting? Is it to help them feel...

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As a mum, and a working mum at that, I always looked forward to the weekends. No rushing to get kids up, dressed, and fed before school. No work mobile ringing. And a husband that occasionally made an appearance | We would mooch around in our pyjamas for most of the morning, and then have leisurely lunches followed by a trip to the beach or the Downs, if we had the energy. At the end of the day we would order pizza and then eat it in front of...

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So I have the very rare opportunity of some free time completely to myself, home alone, with no children or husband around - and I'm totally stumped! | I love being a parent. That's sort of a given. But equally there are times when I just want to hide away with a large pile of trashy magazines, a box of Quality Street and an intravenous drip of tea (or gin, I'm not fussed). Well that particular dream (minus the IV) is about to come true, as I'm...

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With 2 sports mad boys in the family and a large kid/husband who loves his sport too, we spend a lot of time living and breathing whatever sport happens to be flavour of the month. Football, rugby, cricket - they're all up there. They will play it, watch it, debate it and fight over it | Sport on the boxWhen it comes to sport on TV, they will happily watch pretty much anything. Personally I draw the line at beach volleyball. All those ladies in...

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So what should children be doing in the hours between school and bedtime? | An issue flagged up in the British news recently reminded us of a 2009 report from the Afterschool Alliance that more than 15 million school-age children in the US are on their own once school lets out. Between school and bedtime Left to their own devices, I have a hunch that older children would ignore the books, board games and green salad you've lovingly left out,...

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As a parent, I find it extremely hard to decide what to share with my sons. When should they learn more about 'adult' topics? They're likely exposed to so much already, but I do want to spare them from the horrors as much as I can | Often when I'm reading the paper my 6 year old will be peering over my shoulder. You can guarantee that his eye will fix on something horrible being reported that day and will ask me to explain what it is. I sit in...

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Ah, Autumn! Despite the chilly mornings and dark nights, this wonderful time of year has so many lovely things to offer - crisp, colourful woodland walks, hot chocolate, steaming bowls of soup, the whiff of bonfire smoke in the air... and, Norovirus | Hang on, that wasn't supposed to happen! As much I would have liked to don my cosy parka, scarf and wellies and get out for a picturesque, idyllic family walk in the woods this week, instead I...

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My neighbours presented me with an interesting challenge last week. They needed a babysitter for their eight month old nephew, who was staying with them for a week and wondered if I could recommend anyone | Without hesitation, I gave them the number for Tinies Buckinghamshire nanny agency and also told them to have a look at the Tinies website. Finding a good babysitter or nanny They reported back a few days later that they had been thrilled...

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October half term is nigh, and this time Halloween is slap bang in the middle of it! I can hardly believe it's come round so quickly! | Every year the hype seems to be ratcheted up a gear, with shops jumping on the band wagon earlier than ever. You can't complete your weekly shop without a half hour detour through the 'seasonal' aisle, forced to look at ghoulish costumes, masks and fake severed limbs - which is nice when you're choosing your...

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Today was the first day back to school after half term. We had a lovely break and even managed to have a day without someone crying, and that includes me. However there was a dark cloud that lingered, and I'm not talking about the dreadful weather - it was the prospect of exams | Some of you may be thinking that my son is taking Common Entrance, but no - my son is 8. And I know that all across the land right now there are 8 year olds (and 7 yr...

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Christmas is fantastic but for me, after Boxing Day the lights and tinsel rapidly begin to lose their magic and I start itching to de-clutter and even more to get outside in the fresh air | So, after days on end of being cooped up inside, engulfed in warm, humid, spicy air, red and shiny faced and hunched over simmering saucepans and steaming stoves, I couldn't wait last week to blow away those Christmas cobwebs with a nice invigorating,...

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We went to watch our youngest son in a swimming gala recently. He swam in 4 races and did pretty well. I tried hard to quell my competitive instincts whilst cheering him on... | I clearly failed The woman you can hear on the video (me) sounds like a deranged mother, yelling at the top of her voice and drowning out all the other parents watching their loved ones compete. I showed the video to my son later on, and he deleted it in disgust. "Why...

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It seems to have been coincidence this week, that the hottest day of the year would see me stuck in the car ferrying my children around. I ought to install a meter and start charging | A jack of all tradesAs parents, we all know our job description - chef, maid, advisor, gardener, encyclopaedia, straight talker, play fighter... and these are all tasks expected to be undertaken with a playful smile or a well-timed admonishment. For me, one of the...

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On occasion, as many of you know, I feel the urge to stand on my soap box and shout about something happening in our industry. I'm afraid to say today is that day. My husband will be pleased as it will give him a rest from getting a bashing in my blog | Nannies - the silent voice in the childcare industry Childcarers, and in particular nannies, tend not to have much of a voice in our industry, despite the great work they do. They often enter...

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My daughter turned eight last week, and don't I know it... I was suddenly hit with the frightening reality that she is actually growing up! | Noticing changes alreadyShe's always had quite a mature head on her shoulders but, just recently, she seems to be striding ahead in every way. Unfortunately, as well as actually wanting to choose her own clothes in the morning, this also means she has become very interested in my make-up bag. Reaping what...

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I have just found myself in the tricky situation of changing secondary schools for my son. It's not an easy process by any stretch of the imagination... | Back in September 2013, full of trepidation, my son took his first steps in to the world of secondary school. Despite being a very bright and capable boy, he has a condition called dyspraxia and therefore needs to be in an environment that will both challenge and understand him. Quite a fine...

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Well, here we are. Another Christmas over and done with | The cards have been put into the recycling bin (or if you're really keen, cut up into present tags for next year), mountains of wrapping paper and evidence of your over indulgence have all been carted away in bags and boxes, clinking and clunking as they went and the fading tinsel and baubles now drooping sadly from bald, needleless branches are packed away for another year. And what are...

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The nightly struggle to balance my family time, sanity and daughter's bed routine is weighing heavy on my mind | A familiar feeling I'm sure you all know this feeling as parents - a toddler who takes longer to settle for bed than your actual working day. Your joint stress energy as parents may provide enough electricity to power a large town, but you're a sleep-deprived dribbling zombie whose eyes have ceased to function and you both work long...

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Every now and then I feel the need to bang the drum about issues in the childcare industry. After attending a meeting recently with the Cabinet Office about the crisis in childcare recruitment, I thought I would share my thoughts | Is there a crisis?There is most definitely a crisis in childcare. The bottom line is that there are just not enough childcarers entering the industry. It affects parents recruiting nannies, but to a much larger...

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I'm not really one to whinge (cue incredulous guffaws from my family). Seriously though, I count myself lucky that I have 2 great kids, a husband who is... (can't quite find the right adjective so I will move on), a job I love and a roof over my head | I'm not even one of those politician-bashers. I know the Government is far from perfect, but in all honesty can any one of us do a better job in these appalling economic times? The tax double...

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I am pretty sure when I was at school my parents saw the teachers about once a year, if that. And school reports were only sent out annually. That's definitely no longer the case | As a parent in today's world, there are appointments and reports and tests and assessments and meetings and all sorts. I see more of the boys' teachers than I do of my friends! Stalking the teachers We even once went on holiday with one of my son's teachers. I would...

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I absolutely love Christmas. I think I'm more excited than my kids, although their noise levels each day may suggest otherwise. The build up to Christmas is a wonderful time | From the moment I wake up, I turn all of our Christmas lights on, whilst my husband watches in horror as the electrical meter starts whirring round. My iPod is permanently on Xmas Carol Shuffle. And I've been eating mince pies and yule log since November - ostensibly to...

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Has it really only been four years? It only seems a minute since the last time I got all worked about a group of men in football shorts. But back to the highs and lows of the 2014 World Cup... | Brazilian World Cup fever Joking aside, clearly the World Cup matters a great deal to England fans. So why is it that, unlike other countries who have the bunting and flags out from day one, we in England - cruelly stung by defeat so many times -...

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As a nanny, I make a point of spending time every day reading with my charges. A child is never too young to enjoy books | Reading with a child provides quality time with them, developing bonds and usually one to one quiet time where the children can be calm, relaxed and also have your full attention. Research on the benefits of reading from a young age It allows a child's development to progress as they start to recognise objects, sounds,...

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Cast your mind back five weeks. Just five weeks. It doesn't sound like a long time time, yet five weeks ago the summer holidays had only just begun. SIX whole long weeks yawned ahead of us. Six weeks to fill | The Olympics hadn't even started and you more than likely had the prospect of your annual foreign escape to look forward to. Holiday clubs, summer camps and other various activities were booked and ready to go, waiting for their first...

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We all know that children have tantrums. However, it's easy for people to forget that they were once in your shoes willing their child to get up off the floor of the supermarket | The disapproving stares and the "tutting" don't help. Children will always choose the perfect moment to do this and unfortunately as much as you try to stay calm it can be very hard. Here are some top tantrum tipsDon't worry what everyone else is thinking ? 9 times out...

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As team Great Britain continues to do well in the Olympics, I find myself thinking about the important effect the games can have on a country | After the fantastic success of our London 2012 Olympic Games, it's hard to believe the games are here once again. My daughter was only 5 back then, but she really enjoyed watching all the exciting events, witnessing the success of Team GB and listening to the enthusiastic commentary that further ramped...

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I can't believe the summer holidays are nearly over. For some parents, it's not soon enough... | The juggling of childcare in the summer, the expensive excursions, the daily battle to feed the little mites etc. can take its toll. For others, including me, I just feel sad that they are going back to school and leaving me behind. Slightly worrying that they seem delighted to be going back to school, and equally delighted to be leaving me behind....

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As a child, I absolutely loved staring up at the night sky, and to this day it still fascinates me. I'm looking forward to sharing this passion with my children | My dad was really keen on astronomy and on clear nights, we would stand in the back garden and take turns looking through an old, and very heavy, pair of binoculars. He would show me how to focus on objects in the sky and I will never forget the first moment I focused on the moon's...

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With the heavy snowfall we've seen recently, parents have had some difficult choices to make in terms of childcare | Emergency childcare is essential to many working parents, and Tinies Childcare offer an invaluable Emergency Childcare service to help cope with those stressful times when your provider lets you down. Snow affects us all But when a situation affects the country as a whole, that's when the real difficulties set in. 'Emergency'...

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Many parents give up their much enjoyed skiing holidays when their children are small - but you don't have to! A skiing holiday is a great family holiday, fun for everyone? but that's if childcare isn't a problem | Excellent childcare options are often available in ski resorts, offering quality, flexibility and reliability. Private nanny services offer the best flexibility, but it's important to check that the nannies are trained, CRB checked...

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After almost a year working as a manny - male nanny - Andy shares all that he's learnt in this challenging but rewarding position | Wow. Almost a year of working as a Nanny - or 'Manny' as is the popular term for a male in this role. In the space of a year I have learnt a tremendous amount about myself and kids in general. I have one daughter of my own, but looking after somebody else's children is an entirely different ball game all together -...

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All of this summer sunshine makes me want to get outside and run. The theory is good but, unfortunately, it's the practice that lets me down... | Run for the hills When we first moved down South, I was determined to make use of the beautiful scenery, the beaches and the hills to get fit. And in the first few years I was a demon; running on the Downs, leaping over the rocks, swimming in the sea. I'm not sure when it all stopped, though, because...

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I was really pleased to see so many lapels adorned with lovely, bright red poppies this Remembrance Sunday and the week leading up to it | An age of understanding There was a bit of a 'lull' with poppy wearing during the last decade or two, with people shunning them for whatever reason, deeming it politically incorrect, pointless or simply uncool; so it's great that so many of us have taken to wearing them with pride again. With my own kids...

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You often hear new parents saying that they wish babies would come with an instruction manual, or that they could have had some training in how to bring up a child | We expect our nannies and nursery nurses to have qualifications and experience when it comes to looking after children, but as mothers we aren't expected to know anything! Another brick in the wall This glaring omission was brought home to me this weekend when my youngest son hit a...

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I know that I will be shot down in flames and vilified on social media for saying this - but I'm tired of Brexit already | I don't know about you, but every conversation I have these days, whether over dinner, over a drink or at the school gates (and sometimes at the school gates with a drink - but that's another story), it's all about Brexit. Out of EU and out of Euro Whilst we are experiencing the inevitable shockwaves of leaving the EU, I am...

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With Christmas a long way behind us and the new Spring term in full swing, normality has well and truly hit home in our house... and suddenly I have playdates to host! | The first re-emergence of familiar routine was a game of 'who to pay back first' - with other kids wanting to arrange a playdate with my daughter. Before Christmas it was easy to excuse myself from this inevitable part of being a mother. I had a whole ream of plausible...

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Happy New Year! Let's be honest, how many times have you heard or even uttered the phrase "I can't believe it's 2015"? You can't avoid it, but it's getting a little annoying now | Back to the FutureAs 15 comes straight after 14, it shouldn't come as any great surprise. But it does sound a bit futuristic doesn't it? It puts it into perspective when the film Back to The Future II sent the DeLorean car into the future, to the year 2015. The film...

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Now that I've had my own inspection, I feel my views on Ofsted and the inspections they carry out have changed | Child protection is high on their priority at present, following on from cases such as Baby P, and therefore they have to do what they can to ensure nannies on the Register are safeguarding their charges. Child protection Nannies need to keep up to date on their knowledge of child protection and should know how they should report any...

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I'm a registered nanny on the Ofsted Voluntary Childcare Register. A few weeks ago I had a phone call from Ofsted informing me I was one of the "lucky" 10% of nannies to be chosen to receive a visit from an inspector | Of course I use the term "lucky" very looselyThey decided to visit during the Easter holidays, which meant I had both children at home. The inspector said that it is always good to see the children as well to assess a nanny's...

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It's time to bring out the Christmas lights and decorations again, something I couldn't be more excited about - and this year it seems my daughter is sharing my 'OCD' | I honestly don't know what's happened to this year. Where on earth has it gone? One minute I was stressing about what dress to wear to a summer wedding, and now I'm wading through Christmas lists and joining the 'what's the best Christmas advert on TV' debate. All to be expected...

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Oh great. It's that time of year again. As many of you will know, I'm pretty much up for all seasonal celebrations: Christmas, Bonfire Night, Halloween, Easter etc. But in my book, Valentine's Day just sucks | I think it stems (do you like the pun there?) from when I was at school. I went to an all girls' boarding school, and our letters were delivered into alphabetical pigeon holes. I was unfortunate enough to share the same pigeon hole with...

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With another year mysteriously passed, it's time for me to work out a strategy to make the most out of the new one | Where has the year gone? I remember my mum always saying that clearly. So I'm turning into my mum, although I probably did that some years ago now. 2015 flew by But I honestly think that 2015 was the Usain Bolt of all years. It took a bit of time to take off, but then once it did, it literally flew by. I distinctly remember...

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There is much debate at the moment about discussing net or gross salaries when it comes to hiring a nanny | The nanny industry has for decades dealt in net salaries - it dates back to when domestic staff were traditionally paid in cash. However there is no reason why we should uphold the tradition, particularly as paying cash in hand is illegal. The costs of employing a nanny At Tinies, we have to juggle the expectations of both parents and...

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Summer's finally here and my amazing nanny has gone on holiday, leaving me with my two wild-boys. Could she have gone at a better time? Is that even fair to ask? | With my nanny away on holiday, life in our household has descended into chaos and shouting. It's coincided with my boys breaking up for the holidays and a busy week at work for me. But I would never begrudge her taking time out. Shouty mum is back It's only been a week, but already...

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After my first week as a manny, I'm looking back on the highlights I have experienced so far in my new role | I'm writing this in the car park of the local leisure centre. Tucked away all snug and secure within the confines of his car-seat spaceship protection system is the baby. He's asleep. When he awakes we will be walking to the soft play arena for some... well, soft play antics. His nose has been streaming all day - he has not got a cold,...

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So, both kids now safely ensconced in the school routine, time to think about me! | Something I've always wondered about, and as previously mentioned in the Tinies Blog, is the subject of before and after school or 'wrap around' childcare. Before and after school childcare | Breakfast and after school clubsOf course we've all heard of breakfast and after school clubs, but often these only extend to 5pm, which is usually the time when most...

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So there I was. Tired through lack of sleep the night before, emotional and yet strangely relieved at the same time. I watched as all the other mums milled about, each one with the same expression, slight bewilderment tinged with worry | This was a HUGE day for all of us - our child's first day at school. I should have been used to it, having done it all before with my son, but this seemed so final. She is my second and last. This really was it!...

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Whilst watching their guilty pleasure "Strictly Come Dancing", Amanda and her 10 year old son discussed being famous and Amanda's own "claims to fame" | Strictly what?There are many positives about having 2 boys, but being made to watch sport on the TV is not one of them. Every weekend I'm subjected to football matches, rugby matches, cricket, golf and the completely bizarre world of WWE. So, you can imagine my delight when my youngest declared...

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My friend has just had a newborn baby, which is a total blessing (I can say that because I'm not having any more..!). This is her first baby, and so she has the joys of motherhood ahead of her | Hiring a maternity nurse / nanny She asked me whether I thought she should get a maternity nurse or nanny to help her out just at the start. I didn't have a maternity nanny for my boys That is a hard question. I didn't have a maternity nanny for my boys,...

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A major change in our household has led to a new phase in our lives. Can we cope without childcare? | Is a nanny for life?A few years ago, my son asked me how long our nanny would be working with us. He was 6 at the time and his brother was 9. "When do you think you will be able to cook your own food, get yourself to school on time, go to the library by yourself and organise and get yourself to activities in the holidays?" I asked. "Never" came...

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As my son rapidly approaches his twelfth birthday, I realise that I can't help but address the brilliant but worrying world of social media and all its pros and cons | For me, using a computer offers a very different enticement than it does for my son. I mainly use it for work, general browsing, sharing photos or reading eBooks. And, although I'm not an avid user, I even occasionally keep up with the outside world on Facebook. Up to now, the...

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The comments of Lady Barbara Judge - about length of maternity leave - have caused a heated debate in the news and social media. Such an emotive subject is bound to create a noise. But has she focussed on the wrong issue? | Multitasking mum After the birth of both my boys, I took some time off, but when you run your own business, you never really step away. I remember a meeting I conducted in my living room with the manager of our London agency....

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As a parent, I realise that deciding how you discipline your children is a personal decision, but I have always been very against any form of physical violence | Leading by exampleI've always listened with great interest to opinions and arguments on whether smacking your children should be viewed as an acceptable form of discipline. I am absolutely, 100% against it. In my view, a parent's job is to lead by example and therefore, smacking will...

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We are often asked for our expert opinion on whether a nursery or a nanny is better for a child | That is probably (one of) the 60 million dollar questions out there. Unfortunately there is no straight answer because there are too many factors to consider. For example, I have 2 boys. With my first, he went into a nursery and for my second he had a nanny. What was the reason for this? I felt that being an only child at the time, my first son...

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I know the media affects many aspects of life, but knowing that children as young as 7 are now 'image conscious' is both shocking and unsurprising | Celebrity culture I was really saddened to read an article last week about how children, apparently as young as seven, are growing up to believe that looks are, quite simply, the most important thing they should worry about. This has so many negative connotations, it's hard to express them all. But...

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In Part 2, we're assuming you have hired your perfect nanny, and now it is all about how you both settle into this new employer/employee role | In Hiring a Nanny in 2011 (Part 1) Katy Hayden gave some hints on how to go about hiring a nanny. Having been through this process myself, I thought I would share with you 10 key pointers. 10 Tips when settling in as a Nanny EmployerAlways have a contract of employment in place. That way you both know...

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With the year 2010 having been a baby boom it is now the time for many mothers to be returning to work after maternity leave. This means a very anxious time for mums, plus it is a very difficult decision settling on the right childcare for your baby | If you have been considering the option of hiring a nanny, then some points below may be of assistance, and help you to secure your own "Super Nanny": Always use a trusted source to find your...

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When I'm not writing "hilarious" blogs about my life as a working mum with 2 very challenging but fairly amusing boys, I can normally be found at the end of the phone, handing out what I hope is useful (as opposed to "hilarious") advice to clients and nannies on employment issues | Free legal advice when hiring a nannyI know some people question what my job is at Tinies. Even Ben Black, my co Director and long-time friend, often phones me up...

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A few weeks ago I wrote a blog, bemoaning my lost weekends, and how they are now crammed full of sporting activities. Well, as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for, because a week later my son badly broke his arm in a fall | Our weekends are back to being leisurely, as sport is off the agenda for 3 months, but at a huge price. He could not be more miserable. The accident happened at break time at his school. He was doing what every kid...

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It's our wedding anniversary today. And I'm celebrating it by sitting at my computer, on a boiling hot day, typing about the fact that it's my wedding anniversary | Celebrating togetherAnd where is my husband? Well, you may well ask. He happens to be celebrating our wedding anniversary at the Aegon Tennis Championships at Queens, sipping champagne and watching Andy Murray on court. There is something wrong with this picture, particularly as...

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Spooky, kooky and frighteningly fun - it could only mean one thing HALLOWEEN is here again! | With half term upon us once again, most parents this week will be thinking much the same thing - how to keep the kids amused and entertained, arranging a few days away and for working parents, how to juggle work and childcare. Holiday costs during half termLike many others, the sharp spike in holiday costs during half term means I will be at home with...

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I recently visited some very good friends of mine to coo over their first baby. What is it about a newborn baby that makes my stomach lurch? | You instantly get that broody feeling and, according to my much older sister (she'll love me for saying that), the feeling doesn't go away however old you get. Even though my baby making days are over, it doesn't stop me from wanting one. What does stop me though is the thought of the sleepless nights and...

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Was yours soggy or splendid? | With our two school sports days set across four days this week in a valiant attempt to dodge the rain, I didn't hold out much hope of either one happening when I read the weather forecast at the beginning of this week. But lo and behold, yesterday the skies over our school field cleared for precisely four hours and my little girls very first sports day went ahead. Mixed emotions Like most other parents, I had a...

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Across the country, parents are this week dropping off a child or children for their first day of school. Today it was my turn | I was in pieces when my 7yr old had his first day at school I was found sobbing in the playground by my husband. But with my second son, I just felt excited for him. As for him, he was completely unaffected by the whole thing. His older brother was up and dressed in his uniform before 7am. But my 4yr old did not seem...

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Regular readers will know that I have a thing about films. In another life I think I would have been either a producer or a director. And the current film award season has inspired me to try out a new reward system for my sons! | In my dreams I'm never in front of the camera, as that would be wondering into the realms of hilarity. Mine is not the face that would launch a thousand ships - it would more than likely sink them. On the other hand, my...

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Most people enjoy a firework or two this time of year, but when is it time to say, enough is enough? | Bonfire night can last for 2 weeks! Remember remember the 5th November... Well down here in Eastbourne it is more like Remember remember the 1st, 2nd, 3rd... 5th... 8th... 11th... and 14th November! There wasn't one night that didn't sound like the 21 gun salute going off in our back garden. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Bonfire Night,...

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Amanda contemplates where the feminist movement fits in todays' society, and gains new insight from her son | I was reading an article recently about glass ceilings and the feminist movement. Whilst I know many women out there are not treated the same as men, I do believe that women have achieved a huge amount. And I question therefore whether we still need a feminist movement? Certainly in the developed world I don't believe we do. It's a...

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My youngest son was recently hauled in front of his headmaster for slipping out of school grounds with a group of mates and going to the local Tesco to buy sweets. It is not entirely clear who the ring leader was, but my guess is that as soon as someone mentioned the word "sweets", my son would have rounded up the troops and planned their escape faster than you could say "Haribo" | See me in my office after workWhen we found out about this, I...

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I've been trying to figure out how I can get my children to become as interested in cooking as I am - but most of the time they seem more interested in their screens than in the kitchen | As someone who loves cooking, I always had this vision of imparting my passion onto my own children. Just as I stood firmly beside my parents and particularly my grandmother, watching her peel, slice, dice, whisk and stir, I imagined my children would do the...

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One of the most common misconceptions in the world of employing nannies is that normal UK employment law doesn't apply. Not true I'm afraid. Nannies have exactly the same employment rights as normal workers | Employing someone to work in your home The difficulty is that having someone come into your home and care for your children bears no correlation to employing someone to work in your office. For example, can you imagine a worker in an office...

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Everyone loves a giant chocolate Easter egg - but is removing ourselves so far from Easter's Christian roots a mistake? | Christian values As a non-practicing Christian, I've always felt pretty lucky to be able to 'choose my own path' as far as religion is concerned. My parents never once forced religion onto my brother and I in any way other than teaching us respect, compassion and forgiveness where possible, and this suited us very well. We...

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I was reading an article in the FT a few weekends ago about Match.com, the dating site. You may wonder where this is going to, given we are a childcare site and not a dating site! | But it was very interesting to read about how people's minds work when setting criteria of who they would like to meet for a date. I've been trying to see if there are any parallels within our industry or ways we can improve how we help parents search for the right...

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I'm a sucker for hype. I pour over every beauty column in the weekend papers, looking out for the Holy Grail of creams that will make me look 21 again. Whereas what I should be doing, apparently, is getting more sleep, drinking more water and a little less Prosecco, staying out of the sun and ditching the caffeine. God how boring | The perfect face As I'm not going to follow that advice, I'm succoured into believing that there is a cream out...

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Obviously this is a rhetorical question, because they can't directly answer it. It would certainly make for a lively debate - although I'm not sure who would want to be on the "Yes" team - perhaps only Elizabeth Truss and George Osborne | There are 2 reasons why I have come to question the Government's approach to "helping" parents. The first was because I attended an event recently at the DfE regarding the government's proposals to set up...

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These days, it's fairly normal to expect that most couples wanting a family will have two, maybe three children, and with news that the population is expanding at an alarming and potentially unsustainable rate, this seems like a very sensible idea | Charming though the prospect of a 'Waltonesque' style family is, when you consider the reality it seems mad to even consider it. First there is the financial burden Everything is so ludicrously...

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The title for this piece was going to be "The Joys of Cooking for Children", until I realised that for me there is no joy involved. Regular readers of my blog will know that cooking is not exactly my strong point | I envy all women who love to cook, but the women I envy the most are those who effortlessly produce meals without any forward planning. Whipping up lunch for all the kids An excellent example of this is a wonderful friend of mine who...

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Since becoming a father, I learn from my daughter every day. Simply taking a step back and observing the world of your little one can be so enriching and is a daily reminder to ourselves to think back to basics on occasions | In my opinion, confidence is the most powerful characteristics within each of us. High levels of confidence can enable us to thrive and to fulfil our true potential in whatever way we choose- it also generally makes us feel...

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For many years now, we have been deeply concerned about the lack of checks done by Ofsted when nannies apply to be registered | Just to give you more history on this, the nanny registration scheme was set up to allow parents the opportunity to use their childcare vouchers when employing nannies. Previously parents had only been able to use the vouchers to pay for places at nurseries or childminders. Complicated application processWhen the...

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Yes, Christmas is very nearly upon us and, unlike last year I have made a concerted effort to start my Christmas shopping early | In fact, I started it in October which is unheard of for me and in complete contrast to last year when I left nearly everything to the last minute. How little I got for my money... This morning I did a quick recce of my purchases so far and felt a bit smugly satisfied when I pulled the Amazon, Boots and Argos bags...

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I'm not going to make any friends here by admitting that I'm one of those people who normally cracks their Xmas shopping by the end of November | When I say I finish my Christmas shopping quite early, most people want to hit me. But there have to be some advantages to having OCD! This year, however, disaster struck. A back injury meant that I had to miss out on my "early bird" Christmas shopping trip with my sister. This is where I normally nail...

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Childcare is big news at the moment. There is the report by the CSJ which talks about relaxation of the childcare ratios. Don't get me started on this one, but suffice to say anyone with an ounce of common sense can see that relaxation of childcare ratios is not going to solve the childcare crisis out there | You are not going to get mums back to work by reducing nursery ratios, or deregulating childminders. That is not going to free up enough...

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I've been expecting it. Waiting and waiting but it never came. Until now... Chicken Pox has hit! | Calamine calamine calamine lotion It started two weeks ago, and my daughter was first in the firing line. First came the fever. Then came the spots. Out came the calamine, job done! After the best part of a week off school, during which I did my best to work around her, this morning she went merrily back to school, sporting a few red blemishes...

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My sister phoned me recently. She sounded very strange because she was whispering, but was also quite excited so it was coming out like a squeak... A celebrity had been spotted! | She said she was in Robert Dyas in Chiswick (have no idea why as she is the last person to be doing a spot of DIY). And she said she had been standing in the aisle admiring the cleaning products (aahh, that's why she was there) when Javier Bardem walked past her...

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I love my boys. They are brilliant fun to be around, and although everyone else seems to think I must be devastated at having two boys rather than at least one girl, I can assure you I'm delighted. I may live to regret it when they are teenagers... | At that time I shall pass all parental responsibility onto my husband. Which will mean they'll probably spend the majority of their teenage years down the pub. Buying presents for girls and for boys...

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I tend to switch off when the topic of breastfeeding in public is raised in the press - especially if it's instigated by a troop of militant, lentil-chomping earth mothers, hell-bent on making new mums feel inadequate, thus bypassing the true importance of the issue altogether | I breastfed both my children and have my own thoughts on the matter. But last week, a certain breastfeeding story really caught my attention... Breastfeeding at...

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Every year I dream of finding the perfect holiday for my family. A little self contained villa where we have the freedom to do our own thing... | Nestled away from everyone, with private access to a beach and an aquamarine sea But with access to all of the following: a spa, 5 restaurants, endless pools, childcare, tennis, golf, water sports, Accident & Emergency. And all for under a grand! Some of my friends seem to effortlessly find these...

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Thank goodness May is nearly over. In our house we have 3 birthdays to celebrate in 5 days. My youngest comes first, then my eldest son, followed by me. By the time it gets to my birthday, fatigue has set in resulting in very little enthusiasm to knock out another rendition of Happy Birthday and absolutely no stomach for more cake | Excitement levels run high before a birthdayIt all started last Sunday when my youngest turned 7. Excitement...

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In the Coxen household, May is a silly season with 3 birthdays out of 4 falling this month. It makes it both exciting and expensive in equal measure, and each year the headache of what to buy gets bigger. Amanda explores the options of what to get a 10 year old and a 13 year old that doesn't start with an "i" and end in a "Phone" | Birthday monthI love the month of May, with its promise of summer days ahead. Plus with both boys celebrating their...

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I think it's strange how you appreciate things less as an adult. And then you have children and they teach you all over again that it's the little things that matter | We can learn a lot from five-year-oldsI was on the phone the other day with a friend when she asked: "Is Izzy excited for her sixth birthday next week?" "Oh yes!" I replied, "But before that she's excited about Grandma visiting, she's excited for the bake sale at school on Friday,...

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As all good things, holidays too must come to an end. The excitement of a trip quickly becomes a memory and we are left with the all too familiar feeling: the holiday blues | Ever since I can remember, I have always experienced the dreaded post-holiday blues the second a holiday ends. It is a perfectly normal sensation to go through - even as a kid returning from a classic 1990's holiday to Cornwall with my parents and siblings, and all our...

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I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for a To Do List. My obsession with these things is such that I often have a To Do List within a To Do List, and at least 3 To Do Lists on the go at once | I've been on countless training courses that say a To Do List is a complete waste of time. I've even given the list its own abbreviation - TDL - because I use it so much. It's a well-known fact that more people waste time writing up TDLs than they do...

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This week my son's school ruled that parents were not allowed into the children's changing rooms | The thinking behind it is that parents should not be allowed into the area when children are changing, on the grounds of safeguarding the children. My heart sort of sank when I heard this Not because of what the school is trying to do. I completely understand where they are coming from - they have to ensure that the children are protected from...

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The news that the Queen has been regally be-seated on the throne, proudly reigning over us all for sixty years was met with a rather limp response by my children when I explained it to them a few weeks ago | Diamond Jubilee - congratulations My five year old daughter just wanted to know all about the dress her Maj wears (she assumes it's the same one all the time - a long flowing white, jewel encrusted number, red cape with ermine collar and of...

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The season for picnics, blue skies and garden parties has officially arrived, and after a cold, hard winter nothing lifts Andy's spirit more than the first rays of summer sun | Sunday April 1st was the day summer commenced for me. An occasion which happens every year -- a day when your happiness increases ten-fold due to a sudden surge in better weather. A day when the depths of the gloomy winter are shoved behind us. You know the days, the ones...

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As I've discovered, working as a manny requires a rather different set of skills than traditional office work - especially when it comes to multitasking | When it has come to multitasking around the workplace, down the years I have generally been pretty efficient at getting things done. Prioritising and careful time management are key ingredients needed to achieve this. You can methodically think things through, meticulously tick items from your...

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I've raised a question this week: even if Karl Lagerfeld doesn't count me as a muse, I'm still successful, right? | My twentiesWhen I was young, I planned to take the creative world by storm. First it was advertising. By my twenties I'd be a creative director with dozens of trophies and awards lining my corner office in the hottest boutique agency in New York. I did all the right things, went to one of the top Universities for advertising,...

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As I'm getting used to my new role as a manny for two boys, here's what a normal day in the life of a manny might look like | My car entered their driveway. Engine off. A few seconds of silence before starting my day looking after the two boys. As I stepped out of the car, I heard a faint crying noise. And as I walked closer to the front door it was confirmed that this was coming from the family's house. Not to worry though. This is part of your...

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My dad's passion for exploring the natural world also sparked an interest in me as a child and, as a result, I absolutely adored visiting museums. I've always hoped that my own kids would feel the same way | Luckily, they do, as a recent trip to the Natural History Museum proved... A buzz of anticipation I'll never forget the feeling of first setting eyes on that vast and intriguing place. It was on my first trip there with my mum, dad and...

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Many of us may be incredible busy with friends, family, and wrapping up presents and work commitments, but it's also a time to think of others | Yes, yes, I know it's an expensive time of year, everyone's broke and the last thing you need is a grinning good-Samaritan stopping you in the street every five minutes waving a collection box in your face. However, if you put all that to one side and actually sit and think for a moment, if there is one...

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