Primary Thoughts...with Emma McCormick

Climbing trees and digging in the dirt are important lessons this summer

My mum used to pester me as a child to go out and play: “It will do you good to get some fresh air”. When asked about their most significant childhood memories of playing outside many adults recall playing street games, climbing trees, making dens and other outdoor adventures.

Last updated 24 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Staying at home with the kids is not just women’s work anymore, and that’s great

Being a dad has a whole different meaning that it did 50 years ago, and that’s a great thing.

Last updated 21 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Children need to know we don’t abuse people we respect

Children in England are to be taught that domestic violence is unacceptable as part of a new government strategy.

Last updated 2 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

A new administration will almost certainly mean more change and more uncertainty

Since Labour came to power in 1997 there has been a whirlwind of early years activity, initiatives and policies introduced.

Last updated 27 March 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Grandparents can be crucial in providing quality childcare but beware pitfalls

In today’s world with a growing need for safe quality childcare, many parents turn to their own parents for their childcare needs.

Last updated 26 February 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Childcare providers must work in partnership with parents to safely nurture our babies

Working parents often worry about getting the right home/work life balance and ensuring our precious children are well cared for when we are at work.

Last updated 21 November 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Pets can teach valuable life lessons – just be ready for when the novelty wears off

Children usually love animals and for good reasons. Creatures large and small give great joy and offer a special kind of companionship.

Last updated 17 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Don’t be intimidated by the ‘mafia’ at the gates – just smile and make the first move

For many mothers with children starting school or nursery for the first time those school gate encounters are quite traumatising and not for the faint hearted.

Last updated 19 September 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Worried about surviving the summer? Time to ditch the routine and have a lot of fun

Much as we love our children, not all parents think ‘yippee it’s the summer holidays’.Keep it real and chill out. If parents think school holidays are going to be one long nightmare then it will indeed feel like one. A small change in perspective will make the time together much more enjoyable. Spending time with your children shouldn’t be all hard work, and shouldn’t cost a fortune.

Last updated 18 July 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Start preparing now to make your child’s first day at school good for both of you

Parents may think there is plenty of time ahead and tend to leave thinking about settling their children into school until after the summer holidays.

Last updated 19 June 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Building healthy self-esteem to show your child they’re lovable, capable and unique

Those who think they can do, do, and those who think they cannot do, do not. As a parent, you have the greatest influence in shaping your children’s sense of self-worth. You are their first and most important teacher. Home is the first learning place.

Last updated 21 April 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Follow these rules and little ones will learn that winning and losing is part of the game

During their early years children do a lot of learning about right and wrong.

Last updated 24 March 2009
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Take the stress out of the domestic rush hour by preparing things the night before

Morning is my worst time of day. It is one mad rush to get the boys dressed (not to mention get myself ready).

Last updated 16 February 2009
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

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Returning to work earlier than planned caused my baby and me some anxiety; we perhaps weren’t as prepared as we could have been.

Last updated 19 January 2009
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

It’s the practitioners who make the biggest difference to children – not the planners

The new Early Years Foundation Stage framework is now under way. Those of us working in early years are thinking about the way we plan and assess children.

Last updated 22 November 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

When is a trick not a trick?

Halloween has been around for thousands of years. In ancient times, it was a series of festivals and rituals to the cultures of the time.

Last updated 24 October 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Happy families rely on getting that work life balance right. Easier said than done...

Busy working parents have to make family time. But how do you get the balance of home/work life? I certainly struggle to get it right. These are some of the things I am trying to do in a desperate attempt to create better equilibrium in my hectic life:

Last updated 23 September 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Help the tooth fairy spread a little magical mystery – and encourage careful brushing

It is teeth galore in our house at the moment as my baby gets them two at a time and my five-year-old loses them (wiggling them to get a reaction from me).The problem of whether or not these tales are acceptable for children is one that is often debated.

Last updated 19 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk