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.

Looking for more ideas or advice? See more from us here:

• Want a Better Work, Life and Home Balance? 6 Tips for Parents
• How to Build a Positive Parenting Connection
• Self-care for parents: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself During COVID-19 

As winter approaches and we welcome the colder weather, we (naturally) worry a little more about our children’s health. After all, cold and flu season can hit them pretty hard! So we wanted to discuss the importance of keeping your children warm this winter. But that’s not all! We’re also sharing our top tips to help ensure they remain healthy and happy despite the harsh weather conditions. 

Why is it so important to stay warm in winter?

It’s no secret that we become more susceptible to coughs, colds and respiratory viruses throughout the winter. But why is that? Well, there are a few reasons. 

Firstly, the cold air inhibits our body’s ability to ward off respiratory infections. Secondly, viruses can survive longer in cold, dry conditions – so they can circulate for longer. And thirdly, we spend a lot more time in close contact with others as we huddle indoors throughout the winter. As a result, infections can spread quickly throughout schools and nurseries. 

So, what can you do to keep your children warm and ward off infections this winter?

1. Wear lots of layers

Light layers are the perfect solution for keeping your children warm without making them uncomfortably hot. We recommend starting with vests and thermals underneath their ordinary clothes (especially if your child has to wear a uniform). Then you can focus on their outer layers. Thin raincoats are perfect for the wet, warmer weather. But as it gets colder, you may want to swap this out for a winter coat paired with a hat, scarf and gloves. 

(P.S. don’t forget footwear! Thicker socks and waterproof shoes are essential, but wellies are also a welcome addition for winter walks and outdoor activities.)

2. Stay active 

For many parents, the temptation is to keep their children inside and away from the cold. But outdoor activities are actually a fantastic way to promote your child’s health and development. So remember, whether you go for walks, visit your local park or sign them up for their favourite sport, physical activity is a great way of keeping your children warm. 

3. Enjoy warming drinks and dinners 

Did you know we burn more calories in the winter than in the summer? It’s true! Our bodies expend more energy to keep us warm. So make sure your family are fuelled for the winter with a selection of warming dinners and drinks. 

Soups and stews are healthy, nutritious meals perfect for keeping your children warm (and sneaking in their vegetables), whilst warm milk or hot chocolates are cosy treats packed full of calcium. 

4. Wash your hands 

Our final tip is less about keeping your children warm and more about ensuring they don’t catch a cold. 

To protect your children from catching or spreading infections, we strongly suggest you practise washing your hands together. If you can create a habit around handwashing before and after meals, after using the bathroom and after blowing their nose, your child has a far better chance of avoiding colds and viruses. So do your best to practise sanitisation this winter. 

Stay warm this winter

We all want to enjoy a happy and healthy winter. So, try out these tips for keeping your children warm during the cold months. And remember, staying warm doesn’t mean staying indoors. Get outside, enjoy the weather and blow the cobwebs away! Just make sure you’re wearing cosy clothing!

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:

• Surprising Reasons Why Outdoor Play is Healthy in Winter
• The Big Benefits of Outside Play for Nursery Children 
• 10 Fun Winter Activities To Do with Your Little Ones

With September right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about school lunches again. So we wanted to offer you some inspiration. (Because, let’s face it, making exciting packed lunches every day is not as easy as it sounds.) So, with that in mind, here are 10 packed lunch ideas your children will love:

What makes a healthy packed lunch?

Before we start sharing our packed lunch ideas, it’s important to explain what goes into a healthy packed lunch. 

According to the NHS, a balanced diet should include:

• Dairy products (or non-dairy alternatives) like milk and cheeses.
• Protein sources like meat, fish, pulses and beans. 
• Starchy foods like potatoes, bread or pasta.
• Fruits and vegetables. 

So, for each packed lunch you create, try and include (at least) one product from each food group, as this will ensure your child is always eating a well-balanced meal. 

10 ideas for healthy packed lunches

Our list includes a mixture of main meals, snacks and special treats. So feel free to try a few each lunchtime! Our hope is that you’ll find some suggestions that spark your child’s interest and encourage them to eat their lunches.  

1. Star-shaped sandwiches 

Sandwiches are a staple for a reason – they’re simple and delicious. But after a while, they can get a bit boring. So keep things interesting by cutting them into exciting shapes and experimenting with new fillings!

2. Fruit skewers

We’re all looking for ways to make fruit seem more exciting. So try popping some chopped fruit and berries onto a skewer. Sometimes all you need to do to spark your child’s interest is to make their packed lunches more interactive.

3. Pick ‘n’ mix

Don’t worry – our list of packed lunch ideas doesn’t include a bag full of sweets and sugar. Think of this as antipasti for kids. Fill their lunch box with their favourite fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses and let them have at it!

4. Hummus

Hummus is a parent’s best friend. Naturally high in protein and made from chickpeas, this delicious dip is the perfect way to get your children to eat their legumes. Just pair it with sliced peppers, carrots or even crackers for a tasty lunchtime snack.

5. Popcorn

Looking for a healthy alternative to crisps? Popcorn is an amazing option! Sweet or salty, this high-fibre snack adds texture to any lunch box and is always a welcome treat.

6. Pasta pots

Pasta is one of our favourite packed lunch ideas because you can prepare it well in advance! Pair it with pesto, tomatoes and a source of protein for a well-balanced energy-boosting lunchtime meal.

7. Side salads

Sometimes our children need a bit of incentive to eat their vegetables. So rather than presenting them with plain veggies, try creating a salad with some protein and a dressing. It sounds so simple, but a drizzle of vinaigrette or a dollop of salsa can make a world of difference! 

8. Yummy yoghurts 

We couldn’t create a list of packed lunch ideas without including yoghurts. Why? Because they’re both delicious and high in calcium! Plus, there are so many flavours out there that you’re bound to find one the whole family enjoys!

9. Banana pancakes

Who says you can’t enjoy breakfast all day long? Simply mix one mashed banana with one egg and two tablespoons of flour before frying like a pancake. Allow to cool before packing with fresh fruit and yoghurt to dip, and you have a delicious lunchtime treat.

10. Chocolate-covered fruit

We all enjoy a treat now and then. But instead of packing a chocolate bar in your child’s lunchbox, why not dip their fruit in chocolate instead? Bananas, apples, strawberries and oranges all make for tasty chocolate-covered treats. (Plus, you can rest assured your child’s still getting plenty of vitamins and minerals.) 

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Pack some excitement inside their lunchbox

So there you have it – our 10 packed lunch ideas for parents. Whether you try one or all ten of our suggestions, we hope you find some exciting additions to include in your child’s lunch box!

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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.

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

• 8 Healthy Foods for a Growing Child
• 5 Benefits of Sharing a Family Meal
• How Young Children Can Help in the Kitchen

September can be a stressful time for our children. And understandably so! Returning to school after six weeks can be a daunting prospect. So it’s not uncommon for some children to suffer from back-to-school anxiety. 

To help you identify whether your child is stressed about returning to school, we’ve outlined 8 symptoms of back-to-school anxiety. But don’t worry – our advice doesn’t end there. We’ve also included a few suggestions to help soothe your child if they are experiencing any anxiety. 

1. Difficulty sleeping 

Irregular sleeping patterns often signify your child is suffering from back-to-school anxiety. So keep an eye out for any sudden changes. For example, if your child has trouble falling asleep or is waking throughout the night, they may be anxious or overwhelmed. 

2. Abnormal appetite 

It’s no secret that stress can affect our appetite. So make sure you’re paying attention to your child’s eating patterns. If they are overeating or undereating, it could be a sign they’re feeling stressed about school starting.

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3. Aches and pains 

If your child continually complains of aches and pains, but you can’t detect any signs of a physical illness, it may be because they’re suffering from anxiety. 

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4. Lack of confidence 

Often when our children suffer from back-to-school anxiety, they lose a lot of their confidence. So be aware if they become increasingly insecure, apologetic, or doubtful of their abilities. 

5. Trouble focusing 

If your child is struggling to focus for more than a few minutes (whether that’s when they’re playing, reading or watching television), it may be because they’re preoccupied with worrying about school. 

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6. Easily irritated 

When dealing with complex emotions like stress and anxiety, it’s not uncommon for our children to lash out. Why? Because they don’t know how else to deal with these emotions. So, if your child misbehaves more than usual, consider the fact they could be (subconsciously) crying for help.

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7. Withdrawn and disengaged 

It’s always concerning when our bright, bubbly children disengage with their friends and favourite activities. Granted, we all have good days and bad days. But if their withdrawn behaviour becomes more frequent, it may be because they’re suffering from back-to-school anxiety.

8. Constantly seeking reassurance 

When we feel vulnerable, we often seek reassurance from our close friends and family. So if your child is acting unusually clingy or is constantly asking questions about school, it may be that they’re nervously seeking reassurance. 

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Easing your child’s anxieties 

If you think your child is worried about returning to school, try not to panic. It’s natural for us to feel anxious at times – especially when we’re going through transitional periods. With that said, there are some steps we can take to try and soothe their back-to-school anxiety.

Address any negative self-talk – it’s okay for your child to feel nervous about school. However, you don’t want their anxiety to get out of hand and impact their self-image. So always address negative self-talk by reminding them they are loved, valued and capable. 

Be attentive – pay close attention to your child’s behaviour and monitor their eating and sleeping habits. The quicker you can identify their back-to-school anxiety, the sooner you can help them through it.

Discuss how you can help – every child has different needs. So make sure to talk to your child about what support they need. They may want to visit their classroom, talk about their feelings, or simply spend quality time with you before school starts. 

Reassure them – instead of avoiding talking about school, try to reassure your child by discussing the positive aspects. Talk about their favourite lessons and play times with friends. It may not be a fix-all solution, but it can certainly soothe their anxieties. 

(For more advice, read: Starting School: 10 Tips to Help Smooth their Transition)

This too, shall pass

It’s heartbreaking to see our children suffering. But (with any luck), their anxiety should subside once they’re back at school. So try not to worry too much. 

With that said, if their anxiety persists, don’t be afraid to seek professional advice. Every child requires a different level of support, so focus on helping your child with their back-to-school anxiety. 

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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.

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

• 5 Tips For Parents Dealing With Separation Anxiety
• How to Prepare Your Child (and Yourself!) for School Separation Anxiety
• Is Your Child Anxious to Start School? Here are 4 Essential Tips for Comforting Them

Preparing your child for starting school is a scary experience – not just for them, but for you too! So we wanted to talk through our favourite tips to ensure you feel calm and collected on their first day.

Here are 5 strategies to help soothe your anxiety:

Take care of the logistics

There’s a lot to organise for your child’s first day of school. Transport, uniforms, lunches – the list goes on. So it’s understandable if you’re feeling stressed. The good news is that you can eliminate these anxieties by tackling your to-do list.

Start with the essentials (buying uniform, practising the school run) and continue until you feel content with your preparations. For example, if you’re worried your child won’t like their lunches, enquire about the school menu or practice preparing packed lunches they will enjoy.

Talk to their teacher

Often, our anxieties come from our fear of the unknown. So, it can help to have someone available to answer our questions and address our concerns. And who better to ask about preparing your child for starting school than their teacher?

Not only can they provide all the information you need, but meeting the person who will be caring for your child can be incredibly reassuring.

(With that said, try to save only the most specific questions for their school teacher. A quick Google search can usually address a lot of your queries.)

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Check in with your child

It’s natural to worry about our children. What if they don’t enjoy school? What if they struggle to make friends? However, it’s important that we don’t project our own worries and concerns onto them.

The best way to assess how your child is actually feeling is to talk to them! If they are unhappy or have any concerns, they will let you know. Otherwise, try your best not to worry! Instead, focus on preparing your child for starting school by encouraging excitement and discussing what to expect.

Seek support from your partner or other parents

Sometimes, all you need to do to alleviate your anxiety is to talk to someone who understands how you’re feeling. So don’t bottle it up. 

Share your concerns with friends, family members or even other school parents. Whether they can relate to how you’re feeling, offer some valuable advice or simply calm you down, a problem shared is always a problem halved.

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Develop coping strategies

Although the main source of your anxiety is about preparing your child for starting school, that doesn’t mean your anxiety will disappear once they’ve settled in. Therefore, it’s a good idea to develop coping strategies to help manage your stress regardless of the circumstances.

Whether you trial different breathing techniques, channel your energy into exercise or talk to a professional – the goal is to find something that makes you feel good.

You can’t pour from an empty cup

It’s so easy to get swept away when preparing your child for starting school. But you must remember to prepare yourself for this transition too! So surround yourself with supportive people, don’t be afraid to ask questions and, most importantly, remember to take care of yourself!

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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.

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

• 5 Tips for Parents Dealing With Separation Anxiety 
• How to Prepare Your Child (and Yourself) for School Separation Anxiety 
• 7 Common Nursery Worries and How to Overcome Them

Imagine being told you have to start spending your weekdays in an unfamiliar place with people you don’t know. Scary stuff, right? Well, that’s what starting school can feel like for our children!

So to help smooth their transition and ease any anxieties, we’ve listed our top 10 tips to prepare your children for school:

1. Engage in lots of different activities

Your child will be involved in lots of different activities once they start school. So they will need to learn how to transition from one task to another.

By engaging in various activities at home (reading, playing, snacking), you can practice moving from one task to another whilst stimulating their brains in preparation for school.

2. Encourage independence

Although your child will have the help and support of their teachers, they won’t receive the undivided attention they’ve previously had at home. So it’s always a good idea to encourage them to become a bit more independent before starting school. You can start with simple tasks like putting their coat on or tidying away their toys.

3. Arrange play dates

Recognising a familiar face on the first day of school can really reduce your child’s anxiety. So, try acquainting them with the other children attending their school! Sparking friendships before term starts can make the whole transition much easier.

4. Take time apart

If your child is used to spending all their time at home, the thought of starting school may be even scarier. So instead of throwing them in the deep end, try scheduling some time apart. Afternoons spent with friends or family will help them adjust to spending time away from you and their usual environment.

5. Practise putting on their school uniform

For many children, the first day of school will be the first time they wear their uniforms. But it doesn’t have to be!

Allowing your child to practise putting on their uniform will help eliminate unnecessary stress on their first day.

6. Visit their school

Taking your child to visit their school is a great way to get them excited about this new adventure.

Most schools offer official open days, but if not, you can always call up and ask to take a look around. That way, you both have the opportunity to familiarise yourselves with this exciting new environment.

7. Create a morning routine

A consistent morning routine can be a great comfort to your child – especially when they’re going through so much change. So try and ensure each morning looks the same during the run-up to starting school.

8. Tackle toilet training

Not every child will be fully toilet trained by the time school starts – and that’s okay! However, it is a helpful skill to have. So try and tackle toilet training before term starts. It will encourage your child to become more independent whilst also teaching them valuable lessons like how to wash their hands.

Read: How to Master Potty Training: the Ultimate Guide

9. Talk about it

Change is scary – no matter how old you are. So make sure you’re talking to your child about starting school. Answering their questions can simultaneously ease their anxieties and encourage excitement!

10. Take care of yourself

Your child isn’t the only one going through a transitional period. So make sure you’re taking care of yourself too!

Try using this time to focus on other positive outlets like work or hobbies. And don’t forget to talk to other parents. They’re going through the exact same thing, so you may find comfort in their solidarity.

Read: Prepare For Starting School: A Guide for Anxious Parents

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Embrace the next chapter

Although change is scary, it’s also the start of a brand new adventure! So try your best to embrace the change and enjoy all the new experiences school can offer you and your child.

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:

• Is Your Child Starting School? Here are 4 Tips for Comforting them 
• How to Prepare Your Child (and Yourself) for School Separation Anxiety
• Top Tips on Getting Your Kids Out of Bed and Off to School

Searching for some summer inspiration? Then look no further! We’ve created a list full of exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy! And the best part? They’re all here in wonderful Wales!

So, whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or acquaint yourselves with some exotic animals, we have an adventure for you!

Here are our suggestions for family days out in Wales:

GreenWood Family Park

GreenWood Family Park is an oasis for outdoor activities! With rides, slides and rivers to excite the entire family, you can enjoy endless amounts of fun in this magical forest!

Located near Snowdonia National Park, GreenWood Family Park is one of the most popular family attractions in North Wales! So it’s certainly worth a visit.

Or, if one day simply isn’t enough, you can always treat yourself to an overnight stay in one of their luxury Tipis!

Snowdon Mountain Railway

If you’re looking for family days out in Wales, why not take a trip up our world-famous mountain?

With views stretching as far as Scotland and Ireland (on a clear day), Mount Snowdon is a sight to behold! You can soak up some of the local history by taking a trip on the traditional steam locomotive or even walk up if you’re feeling adventurous!

So what are you waiting for? This Welsh mountain isn’t something you’ll want to miss!

Cefn Mably Farm Park

Our list of family days out in Wales wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the farm. And Cefn Mably Farm Park is the crème de la crème of farmyard fun!

Perfect for children of all ages, you can visit the petting zoo, ride the Cefn Malby Railway or even play a round of mini-golf! There really is something for the whole family!

Manor Wildlife Park

Manor Wildlife Park is a magical location for a family adventure! Suitable for children of all ages, you can immerse yourself in the wildlife walkthroughs, interact with exotic animals and enjoy hours of fun exploring the indoor play areas.

So, whether you pack a picnic or tuck into some treats from cafè, we can assure you that exploring Manor Wildlife Park isn’t an experience you want to miss!

Barmouth Beach

We couldn’t write about family days out in Wales without mentioning our beautiful beaches!

Barmouth beach is one of our most famous beaches, making it the perfect spot for some family fun. Whether you choose to paddle in the sea, visit the arcades or see how many sandcastles you can build – we know you’ll have a whale of a time enjoying our wonderful Welsh beaches.

Start making some precious memories!

So there you have it – five family days out in Wales we know won’t disappoint.

Whether you choose to do one, none, or all of the activities we’ve mentioned, remember to enjoy your time together! Soak it all in, take lots of photos and continue making precious memories whether your children are four or fourteen!

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:

•  A Parent’s Survival Guide to the Summer Holidays
• 10 Things to Do with Your Children Over the Summer Holidays 
• The Best 20-Minute Activities to Keep Your Children Entertained 

Planning six weeks of activities can feel like a mammoth task (especially when you’re feeling uninspired). So we’ve created a list of memories to make with your children so you can start planning the perfect summer holidays! 

Whether you’re jetting off into the sunset or staying home for the six weeks holidays, we’re confident we have a summer suggestion for you. Here are 5 ways to make happy memories this summer:

1. Plan ahead 

Time flies when you’re having fun. So, it’s a good idea to map out your summer holidays before they begin. Otherwise, you could blink and miss the whole thing!

Start by scheduling play dates and day trips – we recommend planning at least one activity for each week. That way, you’ve always got something to look forward to!

These activities don’t need to be expensive or extravagant – it’s more about creating concrete plans to spend quality time with your family. 

2. Book a trip

We couldn’t discuss which memories to make with your children without mentioning the classic summer holiday!

Summer holidays provide us with the perfect opportunity to step away from our daily distractions and really soak up some time with the kids. 

Again, these breaks don’t need to be expensive. Just try and find a holiday the whole family will enjoy – whether that’s camping for the weekend or visiting a resort that hosts a kids club! 

3. Spend time outside

Nothing says summer like a bit of British sunshine! So make the most of the warmer weather and spend lots of time outdoors. 

You could plan a family picnic, plant a vegetable patch or even purchase a paddling pool!

Whatever you get up to in the garden, make sure you’re using sun protection. That way, you can enjoy all the benefits of playing outdoors without the risk of burning yourselves!

4. Have fun with your daily chores

I bet you didn’t expect to see household chores on our list of memories to make with your children this summer, did you? 

But the truth is, trivial chores can be a lot of fun if you put some thought into them! 

For example, try making your next family shopping trip into a treasure hunt! Let your child lead the way as you scour the shelves for their favourite cereal. 

It’s actually surprisingly easy to make memories out of mundane tasks – you just need to use little imagination. 

5. Ask your children what they want to do

Sometimes we’re reluctant to ask our children what they want to do during the summer holidays just in case they say something wild or wacky (or way too expensive). But letting your children decide for themselves is a great way for them to establish their interests and develop some independence. 

So, try setting aside one day a week where your child is allowed to choose the activity for the day. It could be playing their favourite sport, watching their favourite film or going to the local park. 

Whatever they decide, your child will always remember the day they were allowed to do whatever they wanted (within reason).  

Enjoy your time together

So there you have it – 5 different memories to make with your children over the summer holidays!

Whatever you choose to do this summer, whether you’re staying home or going away, remember to cherish your time together. Because before you know it, it’ll be time to take them back to school! So enjoy every second, soak up the sun and make memories that will last a lifetime.

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:

• The Big Benefits of Outside Play for Nursery Children
• A Parent’s Survival Guide to the Summer Holidays
• The Best 20-Minute Activities to Keep Your Children Entertained

With everyone juggling such busy schedules, sharing a family meal can seem like a rare luxury these days.

But what if we told you that family mealtimes could greatly benefit your child’s development? Would you still reserve them for special occasions?

Here are 5 benefits of sharing a family meal to make you reconsider makeshift mealtimes:

1. Better communication skills

Family meals are the perfect opportunity for children to practice their communication skills. Sitting around the dinner table, asking questions and listening to one another teaches your children how to retell stories, express their emotions and develop their vocabulary.

Mealtimes are also an ideal opportunity to teach your child about manners. For example, sharing, turn-taking and saying please and thank you are all habits that will benefit your child far beyond the dining table.

2. Teaches your children about food

Food is a crucial part of our everyday lives. So it only makes sense that we teach our children about it.

And what better opportunity is there to teach our children about food than when cooking a family meal?

By involving your children in the process of preparing a meal, they get to learn about:

• Where their food comes from
• What it takes to prepare a meal (cooking, cleaning, laying the table etc.)
• Basic nutrition

As a result, your children can develop a healthier relationship with food (and pick up some helpful habits along the way).

3. Boosts self-esteem

Setting aside an hour each day to share a family meal can significantly improve your child’s self-esteem. Why? Because you’re creating space in your schedule to focus entirely on them. As a result, you’re showing your child that you value and respect them – and that you genuinely want to hear about their day.

With that said, we understand that daily dinners aren’t always realistic – especially for our working parents. So for the busy bees amongst us, try sharing a bowl of cereal over breakfast instead!

4. Strengthens relationships

We all wish we had more quality time with our families. And yet, few of us take advantage of mealtimes.

By making a daily habit of sharing a family meal, you can create a tradition that will last a lifetime. Whether your child is two or twenty, you’re creating daily opportunities for your children to communicate with you and share their struggles. (Which is particularly important as they grow older and become more independent.)

In fact, studies show that 72% of children feel closer to their parents when they share a meal. So, if you want to strengthen your familial bond, we suggest you start prioritising family mealtimes.

5. Promotes routine

Here at Schoolhouse Daycare, we work hard to create daily routines that will support your child’s development – and mealtimes are a major part of that!

You see, consistent mealtimes can help to ground your child as they continue to grow and change. They also offer daily opportunities to improve their fine motor skills whilst enjoying delicious, nutritious homemade meals.

Start scheduling family dinners!

So there we have it – our top 5 benefits of sharing a family meal!

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, we strongly recommend slotting family meals into your schedule. After all, the benefits aren’t exclusive to your children! So why not switch off the TV and start making precious memories during your family mealtimes?

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:

•  Creating a Daily Routine For Toddler At Nursery
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As adults, cooking is a part of our everyday lives – so it only makes sense to get our children involved in the kitchen. After all, we’ve all got to eat! So we may as well make some memories in the process! To show you how young children can help in the kitchen, we’ve put together a list of simple tasks and techniques for you to try based on your child’s age and abilities.

So, without further ado, let’s dig in:

0-18 months

Although your infant may not be old enough to participate in the cooking process, there’s plenty you can do to make them feel involved.

Start by setting them up in a highchair so they can safely watch you work. Once they’re settled, offer them a handful of ingredients to touch, smell and play with. If you’re experimenting with baby-led weaning, you can also give them some small (soft) ingredients to taste!

The aim is to spark their interest by appealing to their senses. So don’t just talk through what you’re doing – allow your children to interact with ingredients and involve themselves in the process.

2-3 years

As they get a little older, your children can start getting involved with some safe, simple tasks. For example:

• Washing fruit and vegetables
• Finding ingredients in the fridge or cupboards
• Adding ingredients to bowls or mixtures

Although these are only small contributions, they are great examples of how young children can help in the kitchen. (Especially when they’re first finding their feet and establishing some independence!)

3-4 years

In most cases, by the age of 3 or 4, your child will be able to walk, talk and follow instructions. So they can certainly afford to be a bit more hands-on in the kitchen. Just remember, they’re still developing their fine motor skills at this point- so avoid any tasks that are too tricky/intricate. Instead, get them involved with:

• Mashing soft foods (i.e. potatoes, bananas)
• Measuring dry ingredients using cup measures or scales
• Stirring cool mixtures
• Making simple sandwiches/packed lunches

These tasks will allow your toddler to become actively involved in the cooking process without risking hurting themselves.

4-6 years

At ages 4-6, your child will have developed greater dexterity, meaning you can start introducing them to some more advanced cooking techniques. For instance:

• Chopping
• Spreading
• Folding
• Sieving

Whether you’re buttering toast or baking a birthday cake, these are all great examples of how young children can help in the kitchen. Just make sure you have plenty of plastic knives on hand!

Kitchen chores that don’t involve cooking

If cooking doesn’t interest your children (or you’re concerned about them injuring themselves), there are plenty of other ways they can help out in the kitchen. For example, you could ask them to help you lay the table, wipe down surfaces or wash up after dinner. That way, they can still contribute at mealtimes without causing chaos in the kitchen.

Find the fun in cooking

You don’t need to be a chef to teach your children about cooking. The only aim is to have fun and (hopefully) pass on some life-long skills. So what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves and start making some memories!

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 Encourage Your Little Ones to Be More Independent
•  Age Appropriate Chores for Children to Help Them Learn Valuable Life Skills
• 8 Healthy Foods for Children