Blog : Little Lilypad Co

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The Little Lilypad is a lifestyle blog mostly written by a mum to two beautiful, cheeky and entertaining daughters. It is sometimes written by the Man on the Pad or by one of our baby bloggers. Occasionally we accept guest posts too. There is frequently talk of sustainable living, saving money, lifestyle and travel. It is hopefully helpful, sometimes funny and always honest.
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Category: News

  1. Free Early Learning for Two Year olds

    Posted on

    I was reading this week that some families maybe able to claim free early learning for their 2 year old children. If you have had children in the last 10 years, you will probably know that all three and four-year-olds can claim some free early learning time from their local council. From September 2013, the Government is now introducing free early learning for some two-year-old children. 

    So why is this making my ranty Friday post?

    We are told that two-year-olds from families claiming certain benefits (or who are looked after by the council) can claim a free early learning place from the beginning of the term after they turn two.  This is great for those children and I wouldn't for one moment suggest that they are not entitled to them but why is it only available for "certain" children?

    I do appreciate that an element of the governments scheme is about tackling the symptoms of poverty but overall, childcare should be more affordable and accessible across the board, to allow more women access to employment. We hear lots about the government trying to get people back into work but ultimately the culture of employment needs to change, it needs to be more flexible and more family friendly, for a start.

    I could argue that just because one family has a job and mortgage, doesn't make their child less worthy of a place but I was reminded this week by Alice about the other side. Alice said: "Whilst on benefits, I went to college and without that childcare I'd not have been able to help myself out of the hole I was in ... the girls in the same position all went on to work full time but at least 3/5 had to give up and go back on benefits due to childcare costs. But on the other hand I think that it shouldn't all be on one foot the working parents should be given the equal amount of help or you're at catch 21 again"

    So which side do you sit on?

    Do you think it should be a blanket availability to all children?

    Do you think it is fair that is only available to "certain" children?

    Shouldn't all children be given the same opportunities, regardless of their parents financial situation?

    I could also start ranting about childcare should be tax deductableb for working parents but I may well be ranting well past Friday!!

     MummyBarrow

  2. WIN a Babyzen YOYO

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    We love finding new things to make parents lives easier and this is why we are very excited to be able to launch our latest competition with Babyzen for the launch of their latest pushchair ..... the Babyzen YoYo.

    YOYO is the first buggy in the world to fully comply with size recommendation for cabin baggage. (we love this)

    As most parents know buggies can be cumbersome and parents often face a struggle getting them up and down stairs, forcing them into car boots and on to packed tubes and busses not to mention trying to store them away at home. And anyone who has flown with a young child will also be familiar with the hassle of having to get the buggy packed away into the main luggage hold as it is simply too big to take on as hand luggage. However, the new YOYO buggy has been revolutionising travelling with a small child.

    BABYZEN YOYO_pink-white frame

    Weighing just 5.8kg, this unique buggy is the most compact buggy ever imagined (52 x 44 x 18 cm when folded). The buggy has a one of a kind folding mechanism which allows it to be opened and folded in seconds with just one hand and it can then be carried over your shoulder with the detachable shoulder strap. 

    The RRP on the YOYO is £309 but we are delighted to be able to offer one to giveaway. Just enter below.

     

    THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

  3. Learning through play : Guest Post

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    Guest post.

    We all know that children learn best through play, so it makes sense to ensure that your child has access to high quality toys which will not only be fun to use, but also boost educational attainment. With the children heading back to school, to help children succeed in class, there are a range of great toys on the market, ranging from old favourites such as meccano, through to a selection of electronic gadgets which combine modern technology with the acquisition of many useful skills. Educational toys need not be just about learning facts or improving writing; they can also promote improvement in vital skills such as manual dexterity, problem solving, memorising, social skills and concentration.

    Enhance Creativity with Construction Toys

    When a child has access to materials which enable them to build, the sky is the limit in terms of the ideas they are able to turn into reality. Building blocks, meccano or making models which clip, stick or screw together are all superb vehicles for allowing your child to make and create. As well as being a very enjoyable activity, the skills involved in working out how to shape a creation are all ones which will be used at school during more formal learning activities.

    Learning through play


    Learn Physics and Maths Effortlessly

    Many children find mathematical concepts and physics information difficult to grasp when learned from a textbook, but find understanding these ideas in a practical situation far easier. Using toys such as meccano or a simple science kit, concepts such as balance, basic maths, the action of forces, properties of matter and torque can all be introduced and expanded on during play. Spending time with your child, using good, educational toys as learning tools for explaining some of the more challenging scientific information, can result in improved learning which is also great fun and very rewarding.

    When choosing a toy which combines enjoyment with learning opportunities, the main thing is to pick something which you feel your child will want to play with. The more time they spend using the toy, the greater the potential for learning to take place. Remember that children learn naturally through play, so provided they have access to a selection of robust, age-appropriate toys and plenty of parental input, they are well on the way to achieving their potential.

    Lets be honest, who doesn't love to play?

  4. Top Tips for Children in the Summer Sun

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    Lilypad Summer Swimming Infographic