Tweet

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!!

Tweet

Do you bribe your children? Now that is a question I wonder how many parents will answer honestly?

I think we all have a tendancy to do it in some form or other, so when I came across this fabulous infographic from Kiddycharts, I couldn't help but share it!

The recent survey by KiddyCharts found that parents are increasingly turning to bribery to help deal with the behaviour of their children. But does this really mean that we are turning in a nation that's willing to give our kids chocolate just to keep them quiet? The survey showed that 83.1% admitted to bribing their children with anything from extra time at the computer, to handing over sweets and chocolates. 

But are we really bribing our children - or are we really just trying a little bit of positive encouragement? 

Mum to two, Helen Neale, who owns www.kiddycharts.com which provides beautifully drawn personalised charts for children helping with everything from staying in their own beds to potty training, says: 

"Sometimes parents can be confused as to whether they are offering a bribe or a reward to their kids. It really depends on when you provide that little incentive."

Dr Amanda Gummer, a child psychologist who works with The Good Toy Guide, says

"Bribery and positive reinforcement are two sides of the same coin. The difference is that with positive reinforcement the aim is to help children learn the natural consequences of their actions. These can be positive and negative, but you get more of what you focus on so it's good to incentivise, notice and reward good behaviour."

So that's what the experts say but what about you?

Tweet

The summer has been glorious and none of us on the Lilypad have thought much past making sure we have enough sun tan lotion and where we put our flips flops! However, after such an amazing summer, the change in temperature means that we are all thinking about putting the heating on (I know it's only September but I feel the cold) and as the nights grow darker and the winter draws in, it might be time to think about some winter essentials for your little one. I was talking to my sister in law only this week about suitable clothing for my newest little nephew, so here are our top four winter must-haves:

The adorable hat

Investing in a hat for your baby is essential when winter hits, and there is no excuse for not taking this opportunity to up the cuteness with your choice. Knitted baby hats, such as this one from Babski Baby, are incredibly cute and will keep that precious heat from escaping their head. The lemon baby hat is knitted using 100% cotton. 

The winter coat

Wrap them up warm in a little coat that will see them through the colder months. We love finding things that are a little bit different and this personalised coat from notonthehighstreet.com is adorable, and will never get mixed up with other kids’ coats as your little one’s name or initials can be added to the item. There’s even little bunny ears and a bunny face embroidered on the hood, just to add to the cuteness.

 The little cardigan

When it’s chilly indoors and your baby does not take kindly to being wrapped tight in a blanket, a knitted cardigan is the best option. If you don’t have a helpful relative who loves to knit, you can always find some gorgeous cardigans online, such as this adorable blue one from Emile Et Rose. From 1-18 months, your little one is sure to stay nice and cosy in this cotton cardigan.

The wellies

Whether a sprinkling of rain, or a torrential downpour, it is best to have a pair of wellies handy in the car or in the house to save you from soggy little feet. And, if your child is old enough to put them on themselves, Clarks offer this great pair of Doodles with handles for ease of use. Children’s shoes are expensive enough, so be sure to use the wellies as much as possible in the bad weather. We are big fans of Peppa Pig in our house and have recently just bought a Peppa Pig pair from Marks and Spencers, with the same handles, which my little one loves to use.

So all in all, winter proofing your little ones wardrobe doesn't need to cost the earth, just some perfectly thought out essentials will see you through till spring!

Would you add anything to the list?

Tweet

Family is at the heart of the Lilypad, so we are delighted to bring this post to you by Hallmark and author, Ashley Carter, who looks at the importance of family, and what you can do together to ensure a happy family unit. 

The Importance Of Family

Families provide children with an irreplaceable sense of security and belonging.  A family should provide a source of emotional support, comfort, nurturing, warmth, protection and security.  Without these key ingredients to a familiar environment, children will be the very first ones to suffer.  Families represent more than just a group of people living together.  Between family members exists a bond stronger than between any other groups of people.  Regardless of good or bad situations, you cannot change your family.  Each family member have their own feelings and aspirations, but together a family is a unit that must work together and support one another in order to create a nice living environment for everyone.  The way in which children view the family unit is the same behaviour they will replicate later in life.  A solid, trusting upbringing will create a more well-rounded and socially aware human being later in life.  Every choice you make as a mother in regards to your family has long lasting effects throughout your child’s life.

Developing Relationships

The first examples of interpersonal relationships a person encounters are within the family unit.  As you slowly grow from the solipsistic bonds of childhood, you develop a self-awareness, as well as an awareness of other’s thoughts and feelings.  Naturally, these first instances will occur within the context of your family, and are therefore vital in shaping the way your children think about other people from very early on.  Going from being the only person that matters to you, to having to think about other people’s thoughts and feelings can be a lot to take on for a child; so patience is the key.  Kids aren’t going to pick up straight away that you have to love and respect all of your family members, but gradually they will, and the bonds that grow between them and the rest of your family will be stronger than any other they make in life.  

Spending Quality Time As A Family

As you grow together both as individuals and as a family, it will become apparent what interests and hobbies are shared as a group, and which are best done alone.  Try and utilize the things you all enjoy and make the time to do them whenever you can.  The older children get, the more they will want their independence.  But you never get too old to not need your family, so maintaining relationships through fun activities is incredibly important. From taking a fishing trip as a family, to walking down to the local ice cream parlor together, you could create a list of things to do, that includes all ages and circumstances.  

Make The Most Of Every Opportunity 

So in the end, don’t do anything tomorrow with your family that you can do today. Enjoy every meal together, every night spent watching TV and every special occasion.  As fun as days out are, there’s nothing more special than the simple times just spent together. Hallmark’s range of birthday card will provide you with the perfect opportunity to make each special occasion as memorable as possible, and ensure your ongoing strength as a family unit.