Random Acts of Kindness Day: the Benefits for Families

Posted on February 10, 2024February 10, 2024 by schoolhouse

Random Acts of Kindness Day is a perfect time for us to spread some joy together. From brightening someone´s day to bringing you closer as a family, kindness is truly magical. Let’s look at how random acts of kindness for families can benefit everyone!

Enhancing emotional wellbeing

Isn’t it amazing how a simple act of kindness can light up your day? Random acts of kindness for families aren’t just about making others smile; it’s a surefire way to boost your happiness too!

When we’re kind to others, it’s like a happiness boomerang – it comes right back to us, reducing stress and making everyone feel good. Plus, these acts of kindness are great for our mental health, helping to ease anxiety and keep those pesky blues at bay.

Strengthening family bonds

Whether it’s baking cookies for a neighbour or picking up litter in the park, these shared moments of generosity do more than just help others; they bring us closer together!

Acts of kindness open up new ways to chat, laugh, and connect, deepening our family bonds. They remind us that we’re a team, creating a warm sense of belonging and mutual respect.

Promoting empathy and compassion in children

When we dive into random acts of kindness for families, we’re setting the stage for our children to grow into truly empathetic and compassionate people. Kindness activities are like empathy workouts for kids, helping them to put themselves in others’ shoes and feel what they feel.

Empathy is an essential skill —it’s the foundation for strong friendships, healthy relationships, and just being a good person all around. For more insights and practical ways to teach your child about kindness, check out our blog: How to Teach Your Child Kindness.

Encouraging positive behaviour and social skills

These moments teach kids about the joy of giving without expecting anything in return and the importance of being part of a community. And guess what? These lessons stick. The social skills and sense of responsibility kids learn from kindness play a huge role in their success at school, in future jobs, and in life in general. So, by fostering kindness, we’re giving our kids a head start on a path to a bright and positive future.

Building a foundation for selflessness

Getting into the habit of random acts of kindness with your family plants the seeds of altruism in your children that can grow throughout their lives. When kindness becomes a regular part of their world, it becomes second nature for them to think about others and lend a helping hand without a second thought.

Creating a positive home environment

When families make random acts of kindness a part of their routine, they’re building a home environment where support and positivity thrive. This kindness reduces squabbles and misunderstandings, making room for more peace and harmony.

We’ve seen how random acts of kindness for families can do wonders, from making us happier and closer to teaching valuable life lessons. As Random Acts of Kindness Day draws near, let’s embrace it as a chance to bring more kindness into our lives and the world around us. Every small act counts, creating a ripple effect that can transform communities.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

Professional Love in Early Years Settings: Why it´s Essential

Posted on February 10, 2024February 10, 2024 by schoolhouse

Ever heard of professional love in early years? It’s about the unique care we early years educators offer, distinct from parental love but equally important. In fact, it’s gaining recognition for its role in young children’s development and wellbeing, going beyond basic education to provide warmth and emotional support. In this article, we give you some insights into what professional love is and why it is so beneficial for children.

What is professional love?

Dr. Jools Page introduced the professional love in early years concept to describe the unique care educators provide, distinct from but complementary to parental love.

While parental love is, of course, deep and personal, professional love is more about providing a supportive, caring environment in a more educational setting.

Why is professional love important?

Emotional warmth and care are crucial for children to thrive, going way beyond just being nice to them. Professional love in early years education means really understanding what each child needs and building trusty relationships.

It’s not just about cuddles and kind words (though they’re important!). Professional love is about making children feel at home while keeping things professional. It’s about seeing them as whole people, where feeling good and safe is just as important as learning their ABCs.

Children who feel loved and secure are more curious, more eager to learn, and get along better with others. It’s all about being there for them in the right way, whether that’s with a comforting chat or just being by their side when they need it.

How professional love in early years works in practice

For parents, understanding how professional love in early years is applied can be reassuring. Here are some ways we put it into action at our daycare:

We build trust with transparent communication: We regularly engage with families to build a foundation of trust. For example, we share insights about your child’s day, discuss developmental milestones, and are open about our caregiving approach.
We focus on a responsive caregiving approach: We tailor our interactions to meet the individual needs of each child. For example, using Dr. Page’s Triangle of Professional Love (ToPL) as a guide to understand and respond to the emotional and developmental needs of children, we can ensure our approach is both caring and professional.
We invest in our own professional development in emotional literacy: We invest in training for staff on understanding and managing our own emotions as well as recognising and responding to the emotions of children. This helps in nurturing emotional connections within professional boundaries.
We establish clear policies and guidelines: We develop and communicate clear guidelines on physical contact, confidentiality, and interpersonal interactions within the setting. This helps staff understand their roles with confidence and clarity.
We foster community and practice cultural sensitivity: We understand and respect the diverse backgrounds of the children in our care. Incorporating cultural sensitivity into our practice strengthens relationships with families and helps children feel valued and understood.

The transformative power of professional love in early years

The impact of professional love in early years is profound, benefiting both children and educators. It creates a secure environment where children feel valued, boosting their eagerness to learn and explore.

Understanding professional love helps parents see the value in early years education, not just for academic learning but for emotional and social development too. It’s about ensuring every child feels supported, understood, and ready to take on the world.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

Nurturing Wellbeing and Emotions: How to Help Your Children Identify and Manage Their Feelings

Posted on January 19, 2024January 19, 2024 by schoolhouse

Emotional intelligence is a crucial aspect of children’s development, and as a parent, it’s important to help your children manage their feelings effectively. It’s all about preparing them for a lifetime of identifying, understanding, and controlling their feelings in a healthy way. To help you do just that, here are some practical tips to help you guide your children towards emotional awareness and resilience.

Role model emotional behaviour

As a parent, you’re the blueprint your children follow for managing emotions. By demonstrating calm and composed reactions in your own life, you’re teaching your children the art of emotional control. Remember, in teaching your children to manage their emotions, your actions often speak louder than your words.

Have conversations about emotions and feelings

Regular discussions about emotions are essential to help your children manage their feelings. Encourage them to identify and express their feelings, from happiness to sadness. These talks help them understand their emotions, making it easier to navigate their emotional landscape as they grow.

Teach them to recognise the emotions of others

Help your children manage their feelings by helping them recognise and empathise with the feelings of others. Start by using picture cards to help them identify facial expressions associated with various feelings. You can also engage in role-playing activities to guess each other’s emotions and encourage active listening during interactions with others, paying attention to tone of voice and body language cues.

This creates and encourages empathy and social awareness, which is essential for emotional intelligence and compassion.

Encourage positive behavior

Praise your child for positively managing their emotions, as this reinforcement guides them towards healthier emotional responses. It’s about nurturing emotional intelligence with recognition and support, valuing each step towards their emotional maturity.

Understand environmental impact

Children’s emotions are influenced by sleep, nutrition, and sensory experiences. By ensuring proper rest and a balanced environment, you’re teaching your children to manage their emotions, tackling the basics of their daily lives for emotional stability.

Develop coping strategies

Equip your children with a toolkit of coping mechanisms for those times when emotions run high. Whether it’s a quiet corner for calming down, creative outlets like drawing, or simple breathing exercises, these strategies can be lifesavers during emotional storms.

Encouraging them to find what works best for them not only empowers them but also instils a sense of control over their emotional responses. Remember, teaching your children to manage their emotions is about providing them with the tools to build their resilience.

Provide a safe emotional space

Creating a safe and supportive emotional environment is crucial in teaching your children to manage their emotions. Be their constant support, even in times of emotional turmoil. Your empathy and understanding provide a secure foundation, reinforcing that it’s acceptable to feel and express emotions. This safety net is essential for helping them navigate their feelings confidently and healthily.

Nurture emotional intelligence

By modelling, discussing, and encouraging healthy emotional habits, you’re laying the foundation to help your children manage their feelings effectively. Then, as they grow, these lessons will become invaluable tools, and they´ll be their best selves when understanding and interacting with the world.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

15 Time-Saving Tips For Busy Parents

Posted on January 10, 2024January 19, 2024 by schoolhouse

As a parent, you’re constantly racing against time, balancing family responsibilities with personal needs. It’s crucial to find those precious moments for your family and yourself. We outline straightforward, effective time-saving tips for families, aimed at streamlining your daily routine.

1. Be Realistic

Juggling life’s demands means setting achievable goals and not trying to conquer the world every day. An important time-saving tip for families is about striking a balance, not reaching for the stars every time.

2. Prioritise Sleep

Remember, a well-rested parent is a productive one. Ensuring you get enough shut-eye isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

3. Aim For Nutritional Balance

A balanced diet is your secret weapon for sustained energy and efficiency. Healthy eating isn’t a trend, it’s a lifestyle that keeps the whole family running smoothly.

4. Plan Weekly

Mapping out your week can reduce those frantic, last-minute scrambles and bring a sense of calm to your busy schedule.

5. Learn to Delegate

Family teamwork makes the dream work. Look how you can share chores and responsibilities, one of the top time-saving tips for families that the whole family can participate in!

6. Prioritise Tasks

Learn to spot the urgent and important tasks in your daily whirlwind. Focus on what matters and put less critical things on the back burner.

7. Invest in Time-saving Services

From grocery delivery to cleaning services, consider smartly reallocating tasks to create more family time.

8. Maintain Work-life Boundaries

Draw a clear line between work and home life. It’s essential for your mental well-being and ensures you’re fully present where it counts.

9. Eliminate Distractions

A fantastic time-saving tip for families is to cut through the noise of daily life by minimising distractions. This boosts your focus and productivity, making every minute count.

10. Avoid the Perfection Trap

Ditch the pursuit of perfection. It’s a surefire route to stress and unrealistic expectations. Remember, good enough is often just that — good enough.

11. Practice Mindfulness

Embrace mindfulness and meditation to anchor your days. It’s about finding calm in the chaos, enhancing focus, and reducing stress.

12. Limit Multitasking

Multitasking might seem efficient, but it often leads to half-done tasks. Focus on one thing at a time for better results. It’s about quality, not just ticking boxes.

13. Identify and Reduce Time-wasters

Be vigilant about activities that eat up your time without adding value. Cut down on endless scrolling or unnecessary commitments to free up more moments for what truly matters.

14. Keep To-Do Lists

Stay on top of your game with to-do lists. They’re the roadmaps that guide you through your busy day, ensuring nothing important slips through the cracks.

15. Schedule ‘Me Time’

Never underestimate the power of a break. Prioritise ‘me time’ for your mental and physical well-being. It’s not selfish; it’s essential for rejuvenating and returning stronger in your parenting role. (Need help with this? Read: How Can a Busy Mum or Dad Practice Self-Care?)

Don´t just survive, thrive!

By embracing these time-saving tips for families, you’re not just surviving the day-to-day but thriving in it. Remember, effective time management isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most efficiently. So, take these strategies, apply them to your unique family dynamics, and watch as your days transform into a more balanced, fulfilling experience for you and your loved ones.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

How You Can Strengthen Family Relationships in the New Year

Posted on December 28, 2023January 18, 2024 by schoolhouse

Do you want to strengthen family relationships this new year?

Family is the most important thing to all of us so naturally, when we think of how to bring even more happiness and success to the new year, spending more time together is pretty much at the top of our list. If you want to strengthen family relationships in the coming year, here are some great ideas that are easy to implement straight away!

1. Follow a routine

Over the Christmas holidays, it’s easy for daily routines to get scraped but what many families don’t know is that lack of structure can be a massive source of stress for children (not to mention the parents too!). As it’s the start of the new year, make sure you start it off right by returning to your usual bedtime and morning routines or by creating new ones. Trust us when we say everyone will be a lot more positive as a result of it!

2. Plan regular family time

Regular family time is vitally important for maintaining a strong sense of togetherness, so to strengthen family relationships this year, get into the habit of planning family time once a week. This could be something as simple as having a film or board games night or planning a weekend trip somewhere. The most important thing is to make the most of this time together so this means no phones!

3. Practice gratitude

Being grateful for one another is very important for bringing each other closer together so resolve to make gratitude a habit in your family this year. Whether it’s having everyone say one thing they are thankful for before dinner, starting a family journal or simply emphasizing the importance of saying “please” and “thank you,” teaching your children (and yourself) to be grateful for what you have is essential for building relationships and for getting through hard times.

4. Improve your communication skills

Communication problems are at the heart of almost every relationship and family issue so why not aim to do better this year? This means teaching your children about the importance of honesty and transparency but also modelling this type of communication to them too! This can be a difficult one to master but if your children see you trying, they will follow suit and you will strengthen family relationships along the way.

5. Support one another in your individual resolutions

Building your family relationships isn’t just about spending time together, it should involve working on yourself too. Sit down together and ask each person what new healthy habit they would like to work on this year. For little ones, this might be as simple as doing more arts and crafts, but whatever answers people give, you should brainstorm as a family the ways you can support each other and follow this through throughout the year. As your children grow so will the trust in your family relationships and you’ll all feel just how much you can depend on one another for support.

6. Get fit together

Habits are easier to keep when you do them with someone, plus it brings you closer! Whether it’s spending more time outdoors each day, getting to bed early or adding more fruit and veg to your daily dishes, sit down and decide as a family how you will prioritise your health this year. If you all decide together, you’ll all be far more likely to stick to it!

7. Prioritise one-on-one time as much as possible

Whether you have one child or several, it’s essential that you have some one-on-one time with them every day. Even if it’s just 5 or 10 minutes, commit to spending some time each day to play with your child and to listen to what they’ve done that day. These interactions show your children how much they mean to you, especially if you’re praising them for a task that they’ve done well that day. This does wonders for their self-esteem and to strengthen family relationships.

8. Praise your child for positive behaviour

While it is important to correct misbehaviour, it is just as essential to praise the type of behaviour that you want from your children. For this new year, try to do this more. Even if it’s just telling them how thankful you are for them, how much you appreciated that they put their toys away or how proud you are of their accomplishments however big or small. Your children can sense how genuine your statements are and if you accompany these with a pat on the back or a big hug, it will help to bring you closer.

It’s always a good time to strengthen family relationships

We are talking about starting the year right, but there’s never a bad time to strengthen family relationships! Whatever time of year, start practising gratitude, communicate openly with each other, and prioritise quality time together – you’ll soon see that you’ll have stronger relationships because of it.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

Why You Should Use Kindness Elves This Christmas (Instead of the Elf on The Shelf)

Posted on December 2, 2023January 18, 2024 by schoolhouse

With Christmas fast approaching, it won’t be long before a certain elf comes to stay for their annual visit. Each day in December, they bring magic and mischief to our homes – causing chaos all in the name of Christmas spirit. Yet, have you ever wondered what it would be like if they were nicer? This year we invite you to find out! We’ve switched out our Elf on the Shelf and are ready to share all of our secrets about why you should use kindness elves this Christmas.

What are the benefits of using kindness elves?

There are many reasons why you should use kindness elves this Christmas. They encourage good behaviour, promote helping others and set a positive example for your children. But the real magic lies in the lessons they teach us.

You see, despite our best intentions, telling our children that Santa won’t come if they’re naughty puts all of the focus on their negative behaviour. Instead, kindness elves teach us to focus on the positives.

By encouraging acts of kindness and rewarding selfless behaviour, kindness elves teach our children how good it feels to be generous! They also understand that we slip up every once in a while – they’re not here to judge our mistakes or report us to Santa. This removes any pressure or shame our children may feel during the run-up to Christmas.

At the heart of it, kindness elves teach our children that gifts aren’t something to be earned or bargained for – they are a token of someone’s love and appreciation.

How should you use your elves to encourage kindness?

Since your elves won’t be getting up to their usual mischief this year, it’s a good idea to re-introduce them to your children. Kindness elves often like to introduce themselves with a letter. This way, they can explain why they’ve come to stay and what your children can expect during their visit.

Kindness elves like to spread Christmas cheer with kind gestures. During their stay, they will leave notes and ideas for fun and thoughtful activities for your children. On some days, they will even leave special treats to reward good behaviour! You will still find them hiding around the house (bathing in the kitchen sink or climbing into your mixing bowl), but this year it will be to encourage acts of kindness – like doing the washing up or baking for a neighbour.

25 days of kindness

If your elves need some inspiration, we’ve come up with 25 ideas to help you spread some kindness this Christmas.

Smile at a stranger
Make someone else’s bed (as well as your own)
Give someone a hug
List 3 things you’re grateful for
Bake for a neighbour
Write someone a Christmas card
Donate old toys/clothes to charity
Do the washing up
Visit a relative
Help carry the shopping
Pay someone a compliment
Draw your friend a picture
Tell a family member you love them
Help cook the dinner
Write down your favourite things about your parents/siblings
Hold the door open for someone
Call a Grandparent
Pick up some litter
Leave a kind note for a friend or family member
Tidy your room
Give someone a high five
Help wrap up some Christmas presents
Invite someone new to play with you
Donate some food to your local food bank
Write a thank you letter to Santa

If you’re still wondering why you should use kindness elves this Christmas, we ask you this – what better way is there to spend the festive season than making a habit out of helping others? We hope we’ve inspired you to reinvent your Elf on the Shelf and to spread some extra kindness this Christmas season.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

What are the Best Christmas Stories to Read at Bedtime?

Posted on November 25, 2023November 26, 2023 by schoolhouse

The tradition of reading Christmas stories is a magical part of the festive season, creating special bedtime moments for children. However, choosing the right story is key! It sparks the imagination and captures the true Christmas spirit, making every night leading up to the big day a memorable one.

Here are our favourite Christmas stories to read at bedtime:

1. A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” features Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who dislikes Christmas. Haunted by ghosts showing his life’s impact, he realises his meanness. On Christmas, he awakens kinder, embracing the Christmas spirit of generosity. Read the full story here.

2. The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore is a cherished Christmas poem. It brings to life the magical night when Santa visits, with his reindeer and a sack of toys. As children sleep and stockings hang ready, the poem shares the excitement and joy of Christmas Eve, ideal for a festive bedtime story.

3. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

The story of the Grinch is one of a man who tries to ruin Christmas for Whoville by taking all the decorations and gifts. Yet, despite having nothing, the town’s joyous spirit surprises him. He realises Christmas joy comes from togetherness, not things, leading to a change of heart and a happy ending. Read The Grinch Who Stole Christmas here.

4. The Polar Express

Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Polar Express” is about a boy’s magical train journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. It’s a tale of adventure and belief, culminating in a special bell from Santa that rings for true believers. Read the full magical story here.

5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Robert L. May’s story of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” tells the tale of Rudolph, a reindeer who is teased for his glowing red nose. However, he soon becomes a hero when he guides Santa’s sleigh on a foggy Christmas Eve, proving that being different is valuable.

6. The Legend of the Poinsettia

“The Legend of the Poinsettia” is a Mexican tale where a girl’s humble roadside weeds transform into red poinsettias at a nativity, symbolising the true spirit of heartfelt giving at Christmas. You can read this story here.

7. The Jolly Christmas Postman

“The Jolly Christmas Postman” weaves a festive tale of a postman delivering letters to fairy-tale characters. It’s an interactive adventure filled with letters and puzzles for children to explore online, adding fun to the holiday season as they follow the postman’s Christmas journey. Listen to the full story here.

8. The Elves and the Shoemaker

It is a festive tale of a struggling shoemaker who becomes prosperous with the help of mysterious elves crafting shoes overnight. It’s a story that celebrates kindness and the joy of giving back, perfect for feeling the Christmas spirit. Read it here.

Reading Christmas stories at bedtime is a magical tradition that brings families together during the festive season. It’s a time for parents and children to share in the spirit of Christmas through tales that spark the imagination and warm the heart. By creating your own tradition with these timeless stories, you’re not just telling tales but making memories that will last a lifetime.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

16 Money-saving Tips For Families

Posted on November 11, 2023November 26, 2023 by schoolhouse

Let’s face it: keeping our family finances afloat can sometimes feel like we’re trying to fill a leaky bucket. Here are our top money-saving tips for families to help save those pennies:

1. Slash Your Food Bills

Plan your meals around what’s on sale and snag those deals with coupon apps. Set a cash budget for your supermarket runs to keep a tight rein on spending.

2. Keep Your Festivities Frugal

Making homemade decorations is fun for the whole family while keeping the costs low, a great money-saving tip for families.

3. Embrace Secondhand Options

Scoop up pre-loved clothes and toys, and sell what you no longer use.

4. Enjoy Low-Cost Entertainment

Opt for free or inexpensive entertainment such as local parks, libraries, and community events.

5. Trim Your Travel Expenses

A great money-saving tip for families is to take advantage of public transport. Remember, with offers like Kids Go Free by Transport for Wales, your little ones can journey at no extra cost. Whenever you can, cycle or walk too!

6. Master The Art of Smart Shopping

Always hunt for discounts, sales, and cashback opportunities to ensure you never fork out the full price.

7. Boost your home’s energy efficiency

Invest in energy-saving appliances and adopt minor tweaks that shrink utility bills. These can lead to significant savings over time.

8. Budget-Friendly Holidays

Where possible, plan holidays during off-peak periods and scout out deals on stays and fun activities. These money-saving tips for families make it possible to create cherished memories without the hefty price tag.

9. Set up an Automatic Savings Plan

This is a straightforward money-saving tip for families that will steadily build an emergency fund or nest egg for future aspirations.

10. Learn for free

Use free online resources such as those available on bbc.co.uk and tap into the wealth of knowledge at public libraries to bolster your children’s education.

11. Embrace DIY and Home Maintenance

You can learn these skills quite easily if you need to make some basic home repairs or maintenance. There are plenty of instructional videos online, which means you can cut out the costly service fees!

12. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Cut down on waste by using reusable containers instead of disposable ones, mend clothes rather than buying new, and recycle electronics.

13. Streamline Your Kitchen Routine With Meal Planning

Cooking in batches and freezing meals is a top money-saving tip for families. It also curbs the urge to splurge on takeaways.

14. Review and Reduce Subscriptions

Keep subscription costs in check with a regular review. This is a simple yet effective money-saving tip for families, as they really do add up! If you review regularly, you can ensure that you only pay for services and memberships you use.

15. Talk Budget Together

Involve the whole family in budgeting sessions. Discuss monthly finances and teach your kids the ropes of personal finance, including saving and responsible spending.

16. Check Your Current Deals

Haggle with your service providers or consider switching to snag better deals on your internet, mobile plans, or gas and electric.

That’s a wrap on our top money-saving tips for families! With these 16 smart strategies, you can tighten the purse strings without squeezing out the fun. Start small, think big, and watch your savings grow.

Want more advice? See our other money and budget-focused blogs below.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

How Can a Busy Mum or Dad Practice Self-Care?

Posted on October 20, 2023November 25, 2023 by schoolhouse

Being a mum or dad is incredibly rewarding, but let’s face it, it’s also quite demanding. From school runs to preparing meals and balancing work, it feels like there’s hardly a moment to catch our breath.

With that being said, it’s essential to remember that taking a bit of time for ourselves isn’t a luxury—it’s vital for your overall well-being. Easier said than done, we know! But when we’re at our best, so are our families. Here are our top self-care ideas for busy mums and dads to help you take time for you.

1. Take Short Breaks

One of the best self-care ideas I’ve come across is the magic of short breaks. Taking just a few moments throughout the day can do wonders for our mental well-being. A 5-minute meditation to centre yourself, a brisk walk around the block to clear your head, or even just sitting down with a lovely cup of tea. These little pauses can recharge us.

2. Incorporate Physical Activity

Some movement in our day is one of those self-care ideas that benefit both our minds and bodies. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown gym session. Dancing in the living room with the kids (bonus points for embarrassing dance moves!) or squeezing in a quick home workout while dinner’s in the oven can make a world of difference.

3. Have Mindful Moments

Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s all about being present in the moment, and it’s a fantastic way to calm our busy minds. So, try to take a few minutes each day for some simple mindfulness exercises. It could be as straightforward as focused breathing, where you tune into each breath. Give it a go; you might be surprised at how centred it makes you feel.

4. Stay Connected

Staying connected with our loved ones is essential for our emotional well-being, but surprisingly, it’s one of those self-care ideas that’s often overlooked. So what do we mean by “staying connected”? It depends on what social activities you prefer. Maybe you love to meet up with friends or having a virtual coffee catch up. Maybe it´s something simple like messaging family and friends or joining a parent support group where you can share the highs and lows of parenting. Remember, it’s the quality of our connections that counts, not the quantity.

5. Prioritise Sleep

Sleep isn’t just about resting our bodies; it’s about rejuvenating our minds. The restorative power of a good night’s sleep can genuinely work wonders on our mood and energy levels. If you’re struggling to catch those Zs, consider some self-care ideas focused on sleep. It may be time to establish a calming bedtime routine or try some relaxation techniques before hitting the pillow.

6. Indulge in a Hobby

Getting lost in a book, crafting something beautiful, or pottering about in the garden…no matter what you enjoy, find an activity that you love and make time for it each week. It’s not just about passing the time; it’s about reconnecting with yourself and finding joy in the little things.

7. Seek Support

It’s okay to ask for help, so please do if you feel you need it. Whether it’s leaning on family, confiding in friends, or seeking professional guidance, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are plenty of resources out there for parents, from counselling services to parent coaching, there’s a wealth of support waiting for you.

Start prioritising your self-care

Let’s circle back to the heart of the matter: self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. For all the mums and dads out there, prioritising your well-being isn’t just about you. It’s about setting a positive example for your little ones and ensuring you’re at your best for them. After all, when you take care of yourself, the whole family benefits.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

Screen Free Activity Ideas To Do As A Family

Posted on October 10, 2023October 18, 2023 by schoolhouse

In today’s digital age, prioritising screen-free family activities has taken on greater significance than ever before. Stepping away from screens, if only temporarily, offers families a precious opportunity to connect authentically, forging enduring memories free from the distractions of constant notifications.

If you’re eager to cultivate more of these meaningful moments, you’re in for a delightful journey as we present a treasure trove of screen-free activities to help you build lasting memories together.

1. Explore the Outdoors

Nature Walks: Why not head out to your local parks, forests, or nature reserves? We’re spoilt for choice in South Wales and it’s a brilliant screen-free activity to explore the great outdoors and spot some local wildlife.

Garden Exploration: Whether you’ve got green fingers or not, there’s something quite magical about pottering about in the garden. Plant some flowers, try your hand at growing veggies, or simply sit back and admire nature’s beauty. If you haven’t got a garden, it could be worth visiting family or friends and making it a group activity.

Beach Days: Nothing beats building grand sandcastles, hunting for the prettiest shells, or having a splash about in the waves. And if it´s winter? Just wrap up warm and have a walk along the beach – this can be refreshing with lots for little ones to explore.

2. Get Creative

Crafting Together: Feeling crafty? From painting masterpieces to tackling DIY projects, it’s time to let the family’s artistic flair shine through. The best thing about this is you can make it as simple as you’d like, using pencils or paper, or make it as elaborate as you’d like!

Cooking and Baking: Roll up those sleeves and get stuck in the kitchen! Whether it’s baking a scrumptious cake or whipping up dinner, it’s a fab way to teach the kids some essential culinary tricks. They’re never too young to learn, right?

Music and Dance: One of the screen-free activities that’s lots of fun, belt out those tunes, show off those dance moves and have a karaoke night or family dance-off.

3. Have Fun While Learning

Board Games: Dust off those classic games and challenge the mind. It’s all about strategy, fun, and a bit of friendly competition. For a different kind of mental exercise, consider tackling a jigsaw puzzle, an excellent means to sharpen problem-solving skills. Whatever you choose, board games have a magical way of uniting everyone for hours of shared enjoyment.

Interactive Reading: Pick a family favourite book, gather around, and journey through its pages together; you could even take turns to read.

4. Let’s Get Physical

Sports: Whether it’s a game of badminton, football or rounders, a little game can include the whole family and ignite some friendly rivalry. Not into group sports? A bike ride or rollerblading are excellent sports that can be enjoyed together, or you can teach your children something new.

Yoga or Meditation: In the hustle and bustle, find a moment of calm. Stretch, breathe, and find your zen. This would be great to teach your children how to relax while encouraging mental health care along with physical activity. One of the screen-free activities that balance your health.

5. Get Involved in the Community

Local Events: Fancy a day out? Enjoy the festivities at a fair, or immerse yourself in cultural festivals. Check council’s or cities’ social pages; there’s always something happening.

Volunteering: Ever thought about giving back? Spend a day at a local shelter, food bank, or community garden. It’s not just about helping out; it’s about teaching your children the value of kindness and community.

Take the Screen-Free Challenge

Embracing screen-free activities goes beyond just cutting down on tech time. It’s about strengthening those family bonds and creating memories that’ll be cherished for years to come.

So, why not set aside regular screen-free days or hours? Explore interests and, most importantly, enjoy the sheer joy of being together as a family. After all, it’s these moments that truly matter.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.