Primary Thoughts...with Emma McCormick
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
When it’s time to talk to your child about sex, don’t beat about the gooseberry bush
Throughout my work I have heard an abundance of names used to describe the male and female genitalia.
Last updated 22 July 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Set an example for your children. Don’t use the ‘F’ word – even if you stub your toe
I despise hearing young children swear and equally hate hearing adults swearing at or in front of children.
Last updated 25 June 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Your child will thrive if you have a good relationship with their carer
You may find that you have found your dream childcare, whether it be a nursery, nanny or childminder, and you can go back to work happy and content. The hard bit is done, isn’t it?
Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
If God made everything, does that include Neville the Devil?
My five-year-old son has been asking me difficult questions about God. Often I haven’t been sure how to answer him.
Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
Families can come in all shapes, sizes and forms these days... and I should know
There is no such thing as the ‘normal’ family these days. Family as we know it can come in all shapes, sizes and forms.
Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk
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