Category: School Days

1. Struggling with mum guilt? How you can feel more positive

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 8th Jan 2022

   We have all been there I am sure. Mum guilt is something that can hit us all very hard at any stage of parenthood. It doesn’t matter if it is feeling guilty because you gave your child chicken nuggets or fish fingers for dinner again, or that you haven’t had a chance to spend time with them and you have relied heavily on the tablet. These are just a few examples but mum guilt can strike at any time for any reason and it can make us all feel pretty rubbish. However, you are not alone, and there are some positive solutions that you can try if you find yourself struggling with mum guilt at the moment.

   

   With that in mind, here are some of the things to consider. 

   Take some time out to breathe

   One thing you must do if you are starting to feel overwhelmed and feeling all of the mum guilt is to take some time out to breathe. It might sound simple, but it can be very effective. Just vake yourself away from the situation, or find some time to be on your own for a few minutes, and just try some regualr breathign exercises. Take deep breaths and try and clear your mind in the process. This will help you to calm a busy mind and start to see a little more clearer. It might not necessarily banish the feelings entirely, but you will start to feel more logical and be more realistic when you have stepped away for a few minutes. 

   Head out for a walk 

   Another thing that can be super effective is to head out for a walk. There is something about the general activity, the fresh air and being closer to nature that can help you to think clearer. When you start to feel mum guilt you can feel like your mind is working over time as you start to try and justify the feelings. It can feel too much. But just heading out for a walk and being closer to nature can help you to feel more at ease. You mind becomes clearer and you can start to rationalise the situation, rather than feeling so negatiave about it. 

   Text a friend or make a phone call 

   If you want to feel better then one great way to do is to text a friend or call someone. Communication is so key when you are a mum and talking about your feelings honestly can help you feel better. A friend who understands your situation and how they feel can help you to see clearer and feel better about yourself. A friend who is also a parent will know exactly what to say to help you feel more positive. 

   Address what is making you feel this way

   Finally, if something specific has made you feel guilty address it. For example, if you ended up shouting at your children out of frustration in the morning then write them a little note apologising for when they get home from school. If you haven’t been happy with routines or behaviour then look at ways to make some changes. Sometimes addressing what is bothering us can help us to feel more in control and positive. 

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2. Smartphones For Students: Get the Guaranteed Phone Contract You Need

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 8th Nov 2021

   When I started this blog, my eldest daughter was in junior school and she is now at college and a full time student. As a parent there are so many challenges you face along the way but for teenagers, there are a whole other list of challenges that are important in their world.

   

   For example, when you're a student, it can be challenging to find the best mobile phone deal as you typically need to undergo a credit check, and most students don't have enough financial history when they turn 18 for network providers to be confident lending to them. Fortunately, there are now many providers who offer guaranteed phone contracts for people who don't want to have a credit check due to a lack of financial history or bad credit.

   However, with so much choice available on the market today, it can be overwhelming when looking for the right deal with the best phone to suit your needs. In our guide, we'll help you understand what you need to know in order to get the guaranteed phone contract you need.

   Compare Network Providers

   The first step is to compare network providers, and you need to look for one with a positive track record that has been in business for a few years to ensure you are in safe hands. You will need to compare crucial factors such as their handset selection, cost, and coverage in your area. However, comparing network providers one by one is a time-consuming task, which is why it is better to utilise companies like AcceptPhones who can provide you with a list of the best provider to suit your requirements and expert advice to answer the question 'could you get a guaranteed phone contract?'

   Weigh Up The Tariffs

   Once you have a list of network providers, you need to weigh up the tariffs available. For this step, it is recommended that you consider your needs for texting, calls, and data for a typical month before you make a choice in order to select the deal that will meet both your budget and your usage needs.

   Read Customer Reviews

   When you find a provider with a tariff that matches what you are looking for, you need to read the customer reviews before you make a commitment. There is no better way to learn about a company than from the reviews left by previous and existing customers as they can tell you what to expect from the network providers service and if they are reliable in your area. You can also take the time to seek recommendations from your friends and family before you read the customer reviews if you are having a hard time narrowing down your list of providers to ensure you are on the right track for the best deal.

   Check The Small Print

   In today's busy world, most people skip the terms and conditions without reviewing them. However, if you want the right deal at the most affordable price for your guaranteed phone contract, you need to understand any charges or fees that could be applied to your account if you don't follow the terms and conditions. Typically, these fees only apply if you miss payments, but in some cases, network providers have policies in place for charges relating to going over your usage limits. While it may seem tedious to read the terms and conditions thoroughly, you should never sign or agree to a contract unless you have read the small print. 

   

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3. Back to School : School Uniform

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 4th Aug 2021

   

   School uniform is one of the big priorities as you approach the start of a new term and school year. It is a time you start checking what you need, heading out to busy shops, and joining other parents scurrying away trying to get what they need. It can feel hectic and chaotic at the best of times, especially as the summer holiday draws to a close. So if you find yourself thinking about school uniforms you are not alone. I wanted to share with you some of the things to think about to help you get organised in this area ready for a new school term. 

   Go through the old school uniform 

   Having more than one child in school means that you may have uniforms leftover from older siblings. A great way to get ahead is to have a list of what you need and go through what you already have. You may have branded school jumpers, trousers, skirts, and t-shirts that all might be in perfectly good condition. If you no longer have a need to keep hold of school uniform, such as not having any more children needing it in the future, then a great idea would be to donate it to the school or offer it to any parents who may have children needing those sizes. It is a great way to help the school community and be more mindful of things you no longer need. You could also check back through last year’s uniform as often you may be surprised that some things still fit. 

   Head to the shops and look out for deals

   While you may have some uniforms already, the chances are you need to head out and purchase a few new things. If you have branded school uniform then you may need to arrange a trip to a specific uniform shop. If there is flexibility in terms of where you buy uniforms then most supermarkets sell basics. However, you might want to look at seeking out companies and online stores that use organically sourced materials and create school uniforms with this in mind.

   

   Be more sustainable where possible 

   School uniform is one of those essential purchases that most parents need to make each year, but what happens to excess uniform when it no longer fits. Some people donate it to the school to help when there are accidents, or to be sent on to charities abroad. However, there are few other ways that people are making wiser choices with excess uniform and this could benefit you. Many school communities have Facebook or Whatsapp groups where you can advertise and share uniform items and sizes. These can be swapped, donated, or even sold for cheaper prices. You may find that you can pick up a few bargains yourself, donate or sell your unwanted uniform and keep the cycle going. This saves people throwing away old uniforms that could still have a use. 

   Are you planning for going back to school yet?

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4. 10 Tips on How to Celebrate Halloween While Social Distancing

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 30th Sep 2020

   The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing many changes to our daily lives. Some of the events we are used to celebrating during this time of year may have been postponed, canceled, or changed. But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate them together. Right now, we are practicing physical distancing to help slow the spread of coronavirus and we we may not be able to physically attend Pride festivities, graduation ceremonies, birthdays, weddings, various holidays, or all of the events that we usually celebrate in person.

   

   So what about Halloween? Young and old people alike allow themselves to do what is typically forbidden: dressing up, walking in the dark, and bumping on the doors of unadulterated outsiders. However, in order for everything to be fun, you have to follow a few safety tips. To these is also added the COVID-19 factor. This year, we will have to be extra careful in many respects.

   1)     Host or participate in a virtual meeting (e.g., party, online video session, ceremony, etc.) with other social network members.

   2)     Go for makeup and face paint rather than a mask. Here it is about the traditional Halloween masks that cover the entire face. However, you can find a mask (this time, we are talking about the one now mandatory in indoor public places given the COVID-19) that will coordinate with the disguise, while leaving the eyes clear.

   3)     While makeup is recommended, if a child is keen on wearing a mask, make sure it is snug to not interfere with their vision and breathing.

   4)     For the aged ones who want to celebrate Halloween with friends, request them to tell you about the route they will take, give them a maximum time they will have to be back, and recommend that they stay in small groups of four to five people.

   5)     Treats stir up little foodies in disguise, but they can be extremely dangerous for young children or those with allergies.

   6)    If you accompany your child on his gourmet walk, you will be able to make him wait before tasting the treats that fall in the bag or, at the very least, checking the candies as they want to eat one. Once at home, take the time to examine your little ones' candy before they eat it.

   7)     Avoid treats without packaging.

   8)     Watch out for your children's allergies.

   9)   Watch out for soft candies, peanuts, or very hard sweets that could cause choking.

   10)  Given the COVID-19 pandemic, to avoid taking any unnecessary risks with sweets that come from different homes, leave them in quarantine for about 24 hours. Of course, a Halloween party without tasting the sweets is not a Halloween party. Plan ahead and get some sweets ready for your children. They can be enjoyed the same evening. We will avoid groupings at all costs, and ideally, we will pick up candy in our neighborhood, or even among people we know. It will probably be necessary to reduce the number of houses visited and celebrate more with the family rather than on the street.

   

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