Ok, so this sounds like a weird blog post. Strange title, and all. I know. But bear with me, hear me out, because I bet a lot of you ladies – and men, for that matter – will be in the same boat. Just a few hundred words in, and you’ll be considering whether Carol is an dark oak console table, I promise you.

I just want us to think how much time we invest into our homes. Sure, you may not be the obsessive type who hoovers five times a day and always keeps an immaculate home, but once you own your own place, we all become a little more house proud.

We care how things look, we want it to be as perfect as can be. We design the décor, we take care selecting colours, we choose furniture that is built to last.

We ditch the convenience of the cheap flat-packs and opt for pieces from higher end retailers such as Cox and Cox because you can rely on it, it’s going to do you good. It’s not going to bend and bow, and it certainly isn’t going to fall apart when you use it to support your stuff.

Can the same be said for your friends, and likewise, could your friends say the same of you?

As we get older, it becomes harder to make new friends. Friendship circles tend to grow smaller. We all go off, get married, have children, build our careers. There tends to be less and less time to fit in friendship. The flat-pack friends are the first to buckle under the pressure, and that’s when you realise who your solid friends are.

When you’ve less time for gossip and trivialities, as adults we start to realise whose company we truly cherish. Who we would do anything for. Who would do anything for us. Who is going to bear the weight of our problems in the tough times, and who we will do the same for when the tables turn.

After all, we choose furniture that is comfortable and makes us happy, and so surely our friends should be chosen in the same way?

While we realise these things, it’s important to make time to care for these relationships. Go for a coffee, share a bottle of wine over a home-cooked dinner, take the kids on a playdate.

And I guess that’s food for thought.

While it’s trusty and always there when you need it, you must care for your favourite oak cabinet. Dust it, polish it. Don’t overcrowd it with your clutter, without being willing to take some of that away again to see it gleam. In the same way, although our dependable friends may always be there, we must make time for them too.

Choose wisely and nurture the friendship. Invest in friendships that are built to last and care for them for years to come.

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First things first – why would you want to get your children interested in your day job? While some parents prefer to keep their work and home life separate, for others, it is important to bridge the gap where possible and teach their children about life as a working adult. If like me, you work from home this is great, although not everyone can do this and it will also depend on your specific job, but for many, this is a perfect way to introduce youngsters to the concept of ‘going to work’.

Similarly, this has many varied benefits for everyone involved. Here are a few of the main benefits:

Benefits for You

It’s no secret that parenting is hard, and for many, trying to juggle parenting and a career is a daily struggle. Therefore, any way of making things easier is always going to be gratefully received and much appreciated!

If your children begin to learn about your job and perhaps understand a little about what you do every day, the gap between work and home life decreases. When you head off to work, your children will be able to picture you at work throughout the day; for younger children, in particular, this can be an excellent way of reminding them why mummy or daddy has to go to work every day.

Benefits for Your Children

Children are naturally curious, and by allowing them an insight into the world of work, you will be indulging their curiosity and encouraging them to ask questions and develop an interest in what you do. Depending on your job, it could also help your little ones learn new skills and perhaps even develop a passion for the industry of their very own!

Benefits for Your Employer

Keeping employees happy and healthy is a big must for businesses – after all, a happy workforce is a productive one. By allowing employees the freedom to relax a little and introduce their families to their colleagues or work environment, they will be working towards a stronger team of employees, something which is ultimately beneficial for the business as a whole.

Workplace Fun for All the Family

If you’re sold on the idea, all that’s left to do is to decide how you want to introduce your children to your working life. There are many different ways in which you can go about achieving this – here are a few to get you started.

Team Building

Forget any ideas you may have of trust falls or sitting in a circle in a stuffy meeting room, trying not to fall asleep. Team building has come a long way since the dull activities you have probably encountered multiple times in your career – now, it is something to be enjoyed rather than avoided. Team building activities and events can easily involve the whole family and can take place pretty much anywhere, at any time. They can range from team building activities in the evening after office hours to interactive quizzes or treasure hunts to fun games testing each other’s skills – and competitiveness, of course!

Family Fun Day

If the fun aspect is what you’re after, then a family fun day will be the perfect event for you. Usually taking place on a summer weekend day, fun days are great opportunities for your family to meet your colleagues and vice versa. It’s a relaxed, light-hearted approach which will suit younger children as they can easily find other children to run off and play with, giving you time for a breather!

Charity Events

From traditional fundraisers and bake sales to office fancy dress challenges, sponsorships and sweepstakes, the general motto for charity events is the more, the merrier! If you are planning an upcoming charity event at work, ask your manager if you can get your kids involved – whether it’s helping to wash cars, donating old toys or attending a fete, family-friendly events are always likely to be more popular.

Since the benefits of mixing home and work life are clear to see, when will you be brave enough to take the plunge and allow your family to learn about what you do at work?

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Summer has arrived and now is as good a time as any to start making plans for the upcoming months. Whether you find yourself with some holiday hours you want to use up, or just desire to spend some time with your family doing something different, a staycation is a fantastic and affordable option.

What is a Staycation?

A staycation is a combination of staying at home and going on vacation. If done right, it can be comparable to a wonderful, relaxing expedition to another destination.

Just like a vacation where you travel to a new place, a staycation is about enjoyment and relaxation. In fact, a staycation can also be about trying new things. After all, how many people have truly explored everything in their city, town or the area surrounding it?

While a staycation may not have the exact same draw of setting up shop in a new and exciting location, it can be much less stressful than one in many ways, allowing you and your family more time to just enjoy the time you have together.

Benefits of a Staycation

Save Money - The beauty of a staycation is that you can avoid spending an abundance of money on air travel, gas and hotels. Being as a staycation is an inexpensive alternative to a tradition vacation, it is more likely that you will be able to take the time to enjoy one more often. Not only that, but any money you save can be put towards day trips or activities instead of expensive accommodations, making your adventure that much more fun.

Get to Know Where You Live - Taking a staycation gives you the opportunity to explore parts of your community and its surrounding area, that you may not have otherwise enjoyed. Visit a new museum, have lunch at a restaurant that you haven’t tried yet or just go for a stroll at a nearby park.

Relax - These days, families have extremely busy lives. Between extracurriculars, work and school it can be difficult to find the time to relax together. A staycation provides the perfect opportunity to lay back and just enjoy each other’s company, giving you time to truly connect and relax.

Comfort - There is nothing more comforting than being able to sleep in your own beds, enjoy the comforts of home and just lounge in your pyjamas. A staycation allows you to enjoy all the perks of a vacation, without the discomforts associated with staying somewhere else.

There are many benefits of deciding on a staycation with your family this summer. You will be able to save money, get to know where you live, relax and enjoy the comforts of home, and you get to do it together without interruption.

Author Bio

This is a guest post from my lovely blogging friend, Sarah Anguish who is a thirtysomething-year-old northerner who now lives in Norfolk with her husband and three children.  Previously working for the NHS in various roles for 15 years before being made redundant in 2016.  She is now a work from home mum who showcases family life, home decor, travel and everything in between on her award-winning blog www.boorooandtiggertoo.com. Whilst working from home may not have been part of the plan, it allows her the greatest flexibility around the needs and activities for her children.

Despite the slight drop in temperature and a few rainy days, it seems that the Great British summer is here to stay. Never have we ever – since having our own children, at least – known such scorching summer sunshine. With a bounty of beautiful days on the horizon, it will be easier than ever to have a chilled-out summer with loads of cost-efficient garden fun.

But the heat isn’t always so awesome. High temps often equate to tired, cranky kids. And, if you’ve got more than one, that’s sure to mean sibling squabbles peppered with tears and tantrums. It’s not the one at all. I’m not about that.

So, in an attempt to keep the kids comfortable, calm, and collected, I’ve rustled up five tips for cooling down your young ones. It’s OK, thank me later.

1. Pop some iced water in front of a fan

Yes, you’ve officially become your mother. But, the truth is, placing iced water in front of a fan really can keep the room cool, *shrugs*. If you’ve never heard of such a contraption, be warned: it isn’t all that glam, but it defo does the job. Pop a washing up bowl, mixing bowl, any-old bowl filled with ice water in front of your fan. The ice water will cool the air above the bowl, which the fan then circulates around the room. Science, huh. Obviously if you don't want to keep refilling ice bowls, you could always look for and actual air cooler or humidifier.

2. Make some lollies out of fresh juice

Is there anything as luscious on long summer days than a homemade ice lolly. Not only will this keep the kids cool, it also serves as a fab family activity. Lolly moulds can be picked up cheap as chips from the Pound store, and towards the middle of summer you can get them discounted in most supermarkets.

3. Stock up on strawberries and suchlike

Believe it or not, too many ice lollies can actually trick the body into warming up! While one or two will certainly be refreshing, if you really want to cool down, it may be better to give the kids other snacks instead. As well as yoghurts, watermelon and strawberries, drink plenty of tap water, and if your little ones are a fan (pun unintended) anything spicy will set the body off sweating and work to cool you all down. It’s true.

4. Seek out the shade

When you’re all spending a day at the beach, the park, or even in your back garden, it can be tempting to set up stall in the direct sun. But think more long term. Whether you’re reading, playing football, or building sandcastles, shade is a must. Look for an area that gives you the best of both and don’t forget water and suncream.

5. Pull out the paddling pool

An oldy, but always a goody. Nothing keeps kids cool in the high heats of the summer sun quite like a paddling pool. You don’t need to invest in a deep tub or anything fancy, just a small inflatable pool is enough for laughs and splashes. Pulling out the water pistols and balloon bombs is always a hit, too.

How do you keep the kids cool in the summer?

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