Rainy Day Activities: Creative Indoor Games for Children

Posted on April 19, 2023April 28, 2023 by schoolhouse

Children have a lot of energy so it can be stressful trying to burn this off when confined to the indoors! This happens more often than not since it feels like it’s always raining in Wales! However, we have a few clever tricks up our sleeves. If you’re looking for some rainy day activities to keep the children occupied and entertained, here are some of our most fun and creative ideas.

Rainy day activities

Let’s go on a picnic (rain version!)

Let’s begin with the traditional “Going on a Picnic” game with a twist: rain! Have your little ones take turns as they add the items they would love to bring on a picnic while it’s raining. The participants keep on adding to what the previous ones have already added, until the list gets so massive that no one can remember all the items!

For example: the first player says “I’m going on a picnic in the rain and bringing hot chocolate” – the second player says “I’m going on a picnic in the rain and bringing hot chocolate and an umbrella” – and so on.

Freeze dance

It’s true: no toddler or pre-schooler can say no to a freeze dance. It’s a great way to pacify restless children and get their sillies out! Play some fun music on the stereo and pause it, then resume it. Between the pause-resume transition, children need to stop dancing and freeze in the position they are in.

Easily among the most fun rainy day activities – good times indeed, keep a camera handy!

The great indoors (camping)

With this one, we can get really creative. You can either set up a tent or come up with a DIY one. All you need to do is drape some sheets over the couch or a similar object and pretend you’re getting all cosy somewhere in the woods!

Grab some snacks and comfy blankets, and take your smartphone or tablet along for a family-friendly movie while everybody snuggles and enjoys the indoor adventure.

Indoor obstacle course

Now we’re talking! If you want to up the adventure factor by a few notches, then here are some awesome ideas:

Get on all fours and crawl underneath the kitchen or dining room table. Then do a couple of jumping jacks, shoot a sock or two in the laundry basket and walk from the kitchen or living room to the nearest bedroom while balancing a book on your head – err, or something similar – you get the idea!

You can plan your obstacle course however you like or even look for some online ideas, including this one.

Hopscotch

It’s a classic, isn’t it? Yes, we believe it will always be!

All you need is some Painter’s tape to create hopscotch for your little ones to hop through. Painter’s tape is actually a safe bet as it can be cleaned easily without leaving any marks.

When you’re indoors, and your little ones can’t seem to contain their energy, give the above rainy day activities a go and breathe a sigh of relief later.

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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:

Essential Easter Egg Hunt Tips for Parents

Posted on April 5, 2023April 28, 2023 by schoolhouse

It’s that time of year again where traditions are made and the kids are excited (even without the chocolate!). If you’re a family that partakes in the annual Easter Egg Hunt, we’d love to share with you our best tips for parents. Not only do they make hunting a lot more fun but they make them a lot easier for you too! Start making a unique annual tradition for your family with these egg hunting tips.

Tip 1: Use different coloured eggs

If you have more than one child, it’s a good idea to colour-code which eggs they have to find. Not only does this avoid any arguments but it also gives the younger ones an equal chance of finding which is what makes the hunt fun!

Tip 2: Make it age-appropriate

Depending on the age of your little ones, some may need more help in finding the eggs than others. Get creative with how you can help them while still making it a fun game. Here are some suggestions from younger children to older.

Leave tell-tale bunny prints – you can make little bunny footprints out of plain paper or by making some in talcum powder or flour to guide your children to the eggs. If they are a little older, you can just have the prints near each hidden Easter egg as a hint.
Draw a map – you can draw a map of the house or garden, wherever you have hidden the eggs, and make it into a treasure hunt. For younger children, you can make pictures of where eggs might be hidden (such as a chair for the dining room).
Turn it into a scavenger hunt – so much more fun than just finding eggs! Depending on the age of your children, you can make this as easy or as difficult as you like. Hide a clue with each egg to help your child find the next one; each clue can be a riddle, a rhyme, a song or a quote or even something that is specific to your family such as “where Dad spends most of his time.” Each clue should indicate the location and send your children all around the house. A game like this really encourages teamwork!

Tip 3: Always keep track of the eggs

There’s nothing worse than finding a melted chocolate egg under the couch cushion a few months after Easter, so keep track of them to avoid any nasty surprises! This can be simply noting down where you’ve hidden them and ticking them off as your children find them or you can number them, just make sure you have a way of knowing that they have all been found.

Tip 4: You can still do an Easter Egg hunt without the chocolate

If you don’t want to overload your children with chocolate, get creative and come up with some alternative ways to have fun. There are so many ways that you can mix it up but these are our favourites:

Hunt for rewards – buy some plastic Easter eggs and fill them with slips of paper that reward your children for finding them. Things like ‘stay up for an extra 15 minutes,’ ‘ride in the front of the car to school’ or ‘choose what we watch on movie night.’ Your children will be just as excited when they get to redeem their rewards whenever they want.
Word game – there are two ways that you can make a game out of words but for both, you need to buy some alphabet stickers or write a letter on the outside of each egg first. The first game is to let your children hunt for the eggs and then they have to make the longest word that they can out of their egg stash to get a prize. The second game is that they have to work together to form a word that you have spelt which could be a clue to a surprise or a certain treat or what you’re going to do on the weekend.

Tip 5: Extend Easter beyond the egg hunt

If you don’t want to do an Easter Egg hunt or you feel like it is over too quickly, use the rest of the Easter weekend to engage in other fun Easter-themed activities. Here are a couple of quirky ideas to give some inspiration:

Egg and spoon race – a classic game which is fun for all the family! You can keep it simple or make it into an obstacle course. For older children, you can even split into teams and blindfold one player while the other directs them through the course (just be careful!).
Magic planting – plant some jelly beans in the garden with your children and say that they will magically transform into their favourite sweets by morning. While they sleep or in the morning, replace these with lollypops or their favourite sweets and say that they are a gift from the Easter Bunny.
Gift baskets – arts and crafts, a homemade card, and some rice krispie Easter eggs that you baked – fun and a nice gift for family or friends!

Have fun as a family this Easter and start making memories that you will never forget!

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:

Gardening with children: tips for getting them involved and interested!

Posted on March 27, 2023March 13, 2023 by schoolhouse

Gardening with children is one of the most popular pastimes for many parents and grandparents. It’s relaxing, productive and brings with it a huge sense of pride and achievement. Getting your children interested in gardening delivers all of the above, with the added bonus of being an easy introduction to science and nature. There are several ways to introduce this wonderful hobby to little ones, and the following are just a few suggestions to get you started.

Getting Their Hands Dirty

Preparation is key for most things in life, and planting flowers or vegetables are no exception. The good news is that most kids love getting stuck into anything muddy, so pulling out some weeds and raking over the soil won’t seem like work at all to them. There are loads of mini gardening sets available which are perfect for little hands, so let them get stuck in, just be aware that they will probably want to adopt a few worms as pets!

Simple Starter Seeds

Sunflowers, Candy Tuft, Nasturtium and Love in a Mist are all renowned for their easy-to-grow properties. This makes them ideal starter seeds for a child’s first attempt at planting. Sunflowers, in particular, make a stunning display, and any child will be over the moon to have planted and nurtured a flower that ends up way taller than themselves! If there are space restrictions in your garden, pretty little Candy Tuft will easily fill a small area with an array of vibrant colours.

From Pot to Plate

Not all gardens lend themselves to growing flowers; if you don’t have such a space, you can still have fun with your children. Growing vegetables in pots are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s amazing what kids will eat when they know they’ve grown it themselves. Peas, potatoes, peppers and squash are very easy to grow, and they thrive in our climate. A small, portable greenhouse doesn’t need glass and is perfect for older or more experienced growers to produce plump, juicy tomatoes, chillies and cucumbers.

Stop the Boredom in its Tracks

So the soil has been prepared, the seeds are planted, and now we have the boring bit – waiting for them to grow. This is the crucial step as children aren’t known for their patience and may well get sick of waiting to see the green shoots and lose interest. A great way to stop this is to let them do crafty stuff to brighten up the garden or yard. Painting pots in bright colours, making a simple bird feeder or letting them create a ‘secret’ den are all things that are easy to implement and will stop the boredom from setting in.

Nothing sums up the magic of gardening quite like a child’s face when they see that first green shoot poking through the soil. They will be so proud of their achievement and will be hungry for more. They won’t realise much later that by planting those seeds, they have learned how to nurture, take responsibility and have a whole new level of respect for nature. Instil this in them at a young age, and it may well be a passion they have for life.

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:

Tips for Parents – How to Live on a Budget with Children?

Posted on March 13, 2023 by schoolhouse

Raising kids is expensive. Not to mention, unpredictable. There are so many things to budget for that it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Here are some simple money-saving tips for parents to save on the go, gain better control over their finances and still be able to enjoy family time.

5 Money-Saving Tips for Parents

Here are some simple money-saving tips for parents that you can employ. However, you must know each of them will work only with some patience and a whole lot of discipline.

1. Budget for all expenses (and stick to it)

One in 5 people in the UK don’t keep track of their expenses. Please, don’t be one of them! You must track your monthly expenses so that you know where your money is going – and only then can you create a realistic budget. It is the first step to saving money. Make a budget and stick to it with discipline.

2. Indulge in weekly meal planning

Food is one of the most expensive outgoings, especially with kids around. The good news is, you can save a significant amount by planning your meals. Make a weekly meal plan and then shop for only the items that you will require. It will help you avoid buying a whole lot of things that you don’t need, like that extra packet of biscuits or [inset favourite snack here].

3. Avoid spending on unnecessary things

It is tempting to buy your child that toy they have wanted or that new video game or that new book. While it might make your child happy for a while, it will definitely not sit well with your finances. Avoid acting on impulse and buying unnecessary things, and save the gift-giving for occasions.

4. Shop smartly

Be a smart shopper. If you spot essential items, like toilet paper or nappies, on sale – buy in bulk. If you find clothes for your kids on sale – buy one size up. If you can use coupons somewhere – don’t shy from it; use them whenever you can.

5. Be mindful of spending on experiences

It is easy to get carried away when spending on experiences with kids. We want to take them everywhere. But if your finances can’t afford that now – don’t indulge in it. Your child will be just as happy at the park or even at home playing a game with you as they will be anywhere else. All they want is to spend time with you.

These are just a few of the many money-saving tips for parents that you can try. But, most importantly, don’t forget the one gamechanger – save, save, and save whenever you can; however you can. It all adds up.

Every little helps

A recent survey revealed that during the COVID pandemic, nearly 43% of parents of young children in the UK were worried that ‘their households had run out of money’. Many had lost their jobs, incurred unforeseen expenses, and used up what little savings they had.

The lesson to be learned here is that you must save whenever you can – because life is good at throwing curveballs. And, with kids around, you need an even stronger safety net.

Even if it is just £5 a day, put it away in a jar and only open it when it is full. Over a few months, you will notice how significant an amount you would have saved without much effort.

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:

St David´s Day: What is it and how can you celebrate it with your children?

Posted on March 1, 2023March 13, 2023 by schoolhouse

Want to know more about St David’s Day? And maybe how you can get the children involved in the tradition? If you love any excuse to celebrate, St David´s Day is a great one. Here´s how you can join in with the fun or get creative and make your own traditions.

What is St David´s Day?

The 1^st March is the date we celebrate the Patron Saint of Wales, and those with either a Welsh heritage or simply an appreciation of the Welsh culture, will partake in many traditions. For example, dressing in traditional clothes, singing, and making Welsh cakes!

Things to do on St David´s Day

Attend an Eisteddfod

The traditional Welsh arts festival, pronounced Ay-steth-vod, is considered the ultimate St David’s Day celebration. Dancing, singing and generally having fun is the order of the day at an Eisteddfod and many events are being held across Wales. If you can’t get to one, why not throw your own mini-event? Dress the little ones up in traditional Welsh costumes, ramp up the music and have a St David’s Day to remember.

All Things Daffodil

This vibrant yellow flower, with its instantly recognisable trumpet shape, is the national flower of Wales. Sadly, they don’t stick around for long, and a great way of keeping the sunshine flower with you all year round is to get creative with some daffodil crafting. There are numerous hints and tips to be found online for using both real flowers and creating your own.

Love crafts? Leeks and Dragons are also symbols of Wales, so there´s a lot of options to choose from or you can do them all!

Have Some Fun in the Kitchen

Traditional Welsh fare will be on thousands of tables come the 1^stof March. Whilst the adults will take care of the actual meal, your children can get involved by making some easy, yet delicious, Welsh cakes. Created using only 5 main kitchen staples as ingredients; butter, self-raising flour, caster sugar, sultanas, and an egg, you can easily customise your recipe to make them appealing to all ages.

Not a fan of sultanas? Sandwich two plain Welsh cakes together using jam for a delicious treat youngsters will love!

Sing a Song

Approximately 22% of Welsh people actually speak the Welsh language, but whether you speak the native tongue or not, there are many simple songs you can teach your children as an introduction to this musical language. Nursery rhymes are easy to learn, and a vast range is available on YouTube, so take a look. Children love to sing and will really enjoy partaking in a song that sounds so different and unusual to their ears. If a song is too much for them, then a simple phrase such as Happy St David’s Day, ‘Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus´, will more than suffice.

Movie Day

If the weather forecast is poor (which is likely!), or you are simply unable to organise anything outside, get the Welsh cakes made and settle down to a film or two. Bonus points if they are set in Wales.

A quick search will produce a myriad of choices, many of which are suitable for younger children. There will also be televised St David’s Day celebrations for your family to enjoy if you´d prefer.

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:

5 Cost-effective Ways to Keep Your Family Warm this Winter

Posted on February 13, 2023March 13, 2023 by schoolhouse

As energy costs rise sharply across the UK, over 3 million households cannot afford heating in their homes. It is not just energy costs either; food and fuel costs are at an all-time high too, which puts a lot of strain on people, especially families with young children.

If, like many parents, you are worried about your expenses this Winter, you can use some simple, quick hacks to keep your family warm and avoid using the heating for as long as possible. Here are some cheap ways to keep warm this season.

1. Layer up!

Layering up is an effective and cheap way to keep warm. Wearing more layers ensures that your body heat stays trapped for longer. So, layer up your children in 3 – 4 warm, breathable layers of clothing to protect them from the cold while also saving money on heating. If you are stepping out of the house, consider wearing a pair of gloves, a scarf, and a hat as well.

Read: Winter Warmers to Keep Your Children Toasty and Warm on Cold Days

2. Eat warm, hearty meals

The easiest way to warm yourself up during cold days is to eat well. Hence, it’s important to have hot meals during Winter to stay warm and comfortable. Soups, stews, and baked vegetables are quick, simple, and warm food options for you to make at home on a budget.

3. Treat yourself to a hot drink

We all like to sip on something hot, like coffee or tea, during the Winter because it keeps us warm. It´s true – studies show that a hot drink can increase the body’s temperature by about 2.5 degrees. To keep your children warm, you can give them a hot drink as well, like hot chocolate, vanilla milk, or even a hot lemon water drink. It warms up the fingers as well as their insides!

4. Add rugs and carpets to your house

Your floors, such as tiles and laminates, might make your home colder than usual. You can fix this by simply placing a few rugs and carpets around your house to add an extra insulation layer. Also, ensure everyone always wears socks and slippers. It´s the easiest way to keep your toes warm!

5. Be active

Being more concerned than usual about your children’s health during winter is natural. However, don’t make the mistake of keeping them huddled up indoors throughout the day. Encourage them to exercise, play and spend some time outdoors as well. Exercise is a great way to remain warm. When we move about, the body converts the stored energy into heat energy and ensures we remain warm for a long time. Plus, it is a fun, cheap way to keep warm.

Read: Surprising Reasons Why Outdoor Play is Healthy in Winter

If you are really struggling financially this winter, here are a few other things you can do

Millions of families are struggling financially, and it is a matter of concern. The government is aiding millions of households across the UK to make heating more accessible. Be sure to check out the various government schemes and see if you are eligible for any of them:

Find energy grants for your home, and
Get help from your energy supplier.

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:

A Parent’s Guide to Switching Off After Work

Posted on January 25, 2023November 15, 2022 by schoolhouse

Every working parent understands the difficulty of switching off each evening. After all, parenting is a full-time job in and of itself. But how do you switch from professional to parent and still find space in your evening to unwind? Simple! By following our step-by-step guide for how to switch off after work as a parent.

Here is our 5 step process to help you unwind from work and enjoy your evenings:

1. Write tomorrow’s to-do list

We would all love to stop thinking about work the second we log off and leave the building. But, the truth is, learning how to switch off after work as a parent requires a lot more preparation than that. After all, we don’t have the luxury of rearranging our inboxes or lounging about every evening.

So, what’s the solution?

Before you log off, we suggest writing out your to-do list for the next working day. That way, you won’t waste your evening worrying about what you need to do tomorrow.

2. Decompress during your commute

Whether you work from home or commute to the office, you still have to collect your child from school or nursery. So our advice is to make the most of the journey and indulge in something you enjoy!

Listen to your favourite artist, enjoy an audiobook or call a friend to catch up (or have a rant). No matter how long the journey, this time can help you decompress and mentally shift gear from work life to home life.

3. Close tabs and switch off devices

One of our best pieces of advice for how to switch off after work as a parent is to literally switch off. Turn off your work phone, shut your laptop and mute your emails!

It may sound dramatic, but if you want to enjoy your evenings, you must create clearly defined boundaries between your time at work and your time at home. After all, you can’t expect your employer to respect your free time if you don’t either.

4. Get changed

Our clothes have a huge impact on our mood and mindset. (After all, it doesn’t take a fashion icon to understand that wearing a suit feels very different to wearing a swimming costume.)

So, try to change out of your work clothes as soon as you’re home. Not only will you feel far more comfortable, but it will also help your brain transition out of work mode.

5. Spend some quality time with your children

It’s all too easy for us to leave work and instantly redirect our attention toward household chores. But with so few hours in the day, we must try to prioritise quality time with our children over our to-do lists.

Whether you prepare a meal together or watch their favourite TV show, nothing will take your mind off work quite like quality time with your child. So, if you want to learn how to switch off after work as a parent, we strongly suggest you leave your household chores until after your child has gone to bed.

Don’t waste your evenings worrying about work!

So there you have it, our step-by-step guide for how to switch off after work as a parent.

Whilst we understand that unwinding after work can be a challenge. (Especially when you have children to take care of.) We want to encourage you to make the most of your time away from the office. So take this as a sign to enjoy your evenings and stop letting household chores get in the way of quality time with your children.

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:

Common Childhood Illnesses: A Parent’s Guide

Posted on January 10, 2023November 15, 2022 by schoolhouse

Before nursery, most children only interact with close friends and family. So when they start spending their days with several other children, it can be a bit of a shock to the system. As a result, they often suffer from a steady (and at times unrelenting) succession of childhood illnesses. So we wanted to talk through some of the viruses your child could contract during their time at nursery.

From symptoms to treatments, we will cover each illness in detail – so you’re well prepared for the upcoming winter.

Coughs and colds

Without a doubt, the most common childhood illnesses are coughs and colds. Thankfully, they usually run their course within a week or two without any medical intervention.

Common symptoms include:

Sneezing and coughing
Runny or blocked nose
Sore throat
Headaches
Mild fever

Unfortunately, there’s little you can do to alleviate your child’s symptoms apart from offering them sugar-free paracetamol or ibuprofen and ensuring they’re well rested and hydrated.

However, if your child develops additional symptoms like a persistent fever (38°C or above), a rash, or they experience difficulty breathing, you should contact your GP immediately.

Earache and tonsillitis

Much like the common cold, mild ear infections usually get better on their own. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes earache can be a symptom of tonsillitis. So let’s explore the difference.

Symptoms of a mild ear infection include:

Irritability and discomfort
Red ears
Raised temperature
Possible fluid or discharge from the ear

However, children will tonsillitis will often experience earache plus other symptoms, including:

Coughing
Sore throat
High temperature
Swollen glands
Difficulty swallowing

Again, these infections usually run their course within a few days, but you can always use ibuprofen or paracetamol to help with pain relief. However, if your child becomes increasingly uncomfortable or shows no sign of improvement within four days, we strongly suggest contacting your GP.

Sickness and Diarrhoea

Sickness and diarrhoea are arguably one of the most gruelling childhood illnesses for both parents and children. And unfortunately, they often get passed around schools and nurseries. So it’s best to prepare for every eventuality.

If your child does contract a stomach bug, your priority is to keep them hydrated. So encourage them to drink whenever possible – you can also purchase rehydration sachets from the pharmacist. Vomiting should stop within a day or two. However, diarrhoea can last up to a week, so make sure to sanitise regularly to prevent the infection from spreading throughout your family.

If your child has been severely unwell for over 24 hours or you notice signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dark yellow urine and fatigue), call 111 or contact your GP.

Fevers

High temperatures are relatively common in young children. However, the trick is identifying whether the fever is the result of a mild viral infection or the symptom of a more severe illness.

Symptoms of a mild fever will include:

Feeling warm or hot to touch
Flushed skin
Sweating and shivering
A temperature between 37.5°C and 38°C

If your child shows signs of a fever, focus on keeping them hydrated. So encourage them to drink regularly, dress them in light clothes and offer them a wet flannel to cool them down.

However, if your child develops a rash, stops eating, shows signs of dehydration or maintains a fever for five days, you should contact your GP. That way, they will be able to identify whether the infection is a sign of something more sinister.

Trust your instincts

Childhood illnesses are usually nothing to worry about (in fact, they’re great for strengthening your child’s immune system), but it’s better to err on the side of caution. So, if your child is ever unwell, remember to prioritise their hydration, ensure they get plenty of rest and offer them paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve any pain.

With that said, children may be resilient, but no one knows your child quite like you. So if you’re ever concerned about your child’s health, do not hesitate to call 111 or make an appointment with your GP.

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 or advice? See more from us here:

How Much Do Children Really Need From Santa? The Benefits of Having Less

Posted on December 15, 2022November 15, 2022 by schoolhouse

We all want to treat our children at Christmas. But each year, it’s becoming more and more difficult to know where to draw the line. Between the pressure of keeping up with the Jones’ and teaching our children the value of money, we find ourselves reeling at the question – how much do children need from Santa? To help you debunk this Christmas conundrum, we will explore the benefits of giving fewer gifts to ensure that this festive season is full of gratitude (not greed).

What are the benefits of having fewer toys?

We’ve all heard the saying less is more. But for some reason, we’re told this rule doesn’t apply at Christmas. Thankfully, we’re about to change that. There is a long list of benefits to buying your child less at Christmas – allow us to explain. Fewer toys:

– Increase your child’s attention span

– Promote creativity and imagination

– Teach children the value of money

– Encourage children to spend more time reading/writing

– Make children more appreciative of the gifts they receive

– Encourage children to spend more time playing with others

By buying fewer gifts this year, not only will you be supporting your child’s development, but you will also be teaching them fundamental life lessons about the value of presents and the importance of gratitude.

So, if less is more, how many gifts are too many gifts?

There is no exact number to suit every family – each child has different wants and needs, much like each family has a different budget. However, studies undergone by child psychologists suggest that the perfect balance lies somewhere between 3-5 toys.

In a study that gave children either 4 or 16 toys to play with, the children who played with four toys had greater concentration and played for much longer. Why? Because too many toys can quickly become overwhelming for our children. They end up spending more time flitting between toys than actually playing – which (when you think about it) sounds a lot like what we adults do when deciding what to watch on tv. In short, more choice isn’t always better.

So, if less is more – what gifts should take the top spot on your shopping list? We suggest using the ‘rule of 4’ to ensure you cover all of your bases. Try to get a gift they:

Want
Need
To Wear
To read

This way, your child will still receive a variety of presents (both fun and practical) without the added excess! So, if you’re still wondering ‘how much do children need from Santa?’ – we think that four gifts is the best answer.

How to keep the festive cheer with fewer toys this year

Downsizing at Christmas can be an adjustment, especially if your children have gotten used to receiving a lot of presents. Luckily, we have some tips to ensure that you and your children still enjoy the festivities despite having fewer presents this year.

Start by explaining that Christmas will be slightly different this year. Your children need to understand that gifts aren’t a measure of love. Although some families might have more gifts than your own, it doesn’t mean they are loved any less.
Once you’ve managed their expectations about how many gifts they will receive, you can then get excited about all the different ways you will be able to celebrate Christmas this year. Because you’re spending less money on gifts, you can now put that money towards making memories. There are so many activities you can get involved in – from ice skating and baking to visiting Christmas markets! Whatever it is, making memories and starting Christmas traditions will be far more memorable than any old toy!
Make some donations to charity. Whether it’s money, toys or clothes – Christmas is the season of giving, so get your children involved. You can also take this opportunity to explain to your children that some families can’t afford luxuries like gifts at Christmas. This way, if you ask them ‘how much do children need from Santa?’ – they can answer by having a greater perspective and appreciation for those less fortunate than themselves.

If, at any point, you find yourself wondering ‘exactly how much do children need from Santa?’ – we invite you to revisit this article. Christmas isn’t about how much you can spend – it’s about spending time with your children, showing your appreciation for one another and teaching them to be grateful for what they already have.

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:

How to Prioritise Self-Care as a Parent

Posted on November 14, 2022November 15, 2022 by schoolhouse

As a parent, your needs are always secondary to your child’s. However, too many parents use this as an excuse to neglect their own needs, run themselves down and (ultimately) make themselves ill. So, to help address this unhealthy habit, we are sharing our advice on how to prioritise self-care as a parent.

1. Understand that you can’t pour from an empty cup

Before we dive into how to prioritise self-care as a parent, it’s important to discuss why self-care is so important.

The truth is, you cannot be the best version of yourself if you’re unhealthy and unhappy. So, if you want to be the best parent possible, you must start caring for yourself (as well as your child). Only then can you become your most loving, caring and attentive self.

2. Nourish your body

If you want to learn how to prioritise self-care as a parent, you need to start developing healthy habits. After all, self-care isn’t about long baths and bottles of wine – it’s about prioritising your mental and physical well-being each and every day.

So which healthy habits do we recommend?

Firstly, regular exercise. Whether you go for a walk or do a home workout, exercise can help boost your mental and physical health.

Secondly, nourish your body with vitamins and minerals. It will help promote immunity and boost your energy levels. (Plus, leading by example is a great way to get your children to eat their veggies!)

Finally, prioritise your sleep. Good quality sleep is essential to your health and well-being. So aim to get as much sleep as possible! (Even if 8 hours is unattainable.)

3. Schedule time for yourself

Scheduling time for yourself may sound selfish when you have a small child to look after. But it’s actually incredibly important for your mental and emotional well-being. So, don’t let guilt get in the way of your health!

Instead, start filling your free time with things that make you feel good! Whether that means taking five minutes to phone a friend or twenty minutes to read before bed – the aim is to do something you enjoy every day.

4. Socialise (often)

Parenting is an all-consuming endeavour. So it’s not uncommon for parents to feel lonely at times.

Instead of suffering in silence, prioritise connecting with others! Whether you plan dinners, day trips or play dates, the key is to surround yourself with positive, supportive people. After all, who better to boost your mood and promote your well-being than your loved ones?

5. Set boundaries

Our final piece of advice for any parent trying to prioritise self-care is to begin implementing boundaries. Why? Because people-pleasing is a losing game that (inevitably) leads to burnout.

So, instead of putting others first, start making decisions based on what is best for you and your child. For example, if you’re already stretched too thin at work, don’t feel obliged to take on additional responsibilities! Instead, respect your need for rest and politely decline the offer.

Self-care = self-respect

Learning how to prioritise self-care as a parent is not easy. But it is necessary. So don’t allow guilt to get in your way! Instead, respect your body, respect your mind and focus on becoming the best version of yourself. After all, the more you care for yourself, the more you can care for others.

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.