Preparing the kids for the new school year

The Back to School Routine

In association with SuperSavvyMe

With summer nearing its end, it’s time to start thinking about the new school year. The back to school transition can be a daunting one at times, and whether you are dreading the little ones going back or can’t wait for them to leave, there’s a lot to be done.

It’s important to remember that it’s going to take a little time for both you and the children to get used to a more regimented way of life. Instead of rising as and when desired, the kids must now be dressed and out the door before nine!

This often means you are to rise at least an hour earlier than them – packed lunches won’t prepare themselves, gym kits won’t magically jump from the fresh laundry pile and into a bag and unfortunately, shirts don’t seem to come crease-free.

Children that are moving from junior into senior school and also those that intend to begin the New Year at an entirely different school are the ones that will have the biggest adjustments to contend with. It’s important to take a few parenting tips on board at this point and ease them into transition  the best way you can.

Making sure that they are fully prepared for the new school year is one important tip to follow. If the uniform is slightly different to that of last year’s, it’s wise to buy into a new school ensemble in advance.

On this note, if the uniform is the same, it’s a good idea to check that it still fits your child before the end of the summer. Kids grow surprisingly fast and trousers which are too short, tight skirts and close-fitting shirts are not a good look for anyone.

Once you have the school uniform in order, it’s time to move onto the gym kit. Many schools will ask you to adhere to a certain style or colour when it comes to sports clothes.

Some schools will offer their own brand of kit which will often feature the school’s own logo. Others will ask that you stick to blue, black or maroon shorts and a white t-shirt. Regardless of how much your little ones love their super snazzy trainers, wearing vivid-hued gym shoes to school is not acceptable.

Stationery is another important factor to consider. The likes of a new school planner, pens, pencils, maths equipment and exercise books are all necessary tools to have. It may be wise to create an area in the study at home dedicated solely to your child. This will allow them to organise projects into completed work and work yet to complete so that it is easier for them to manage.

 

5 Quick and Easy Hairstyles for Little Girls

5 Easy Hairstyles for Little Girls

I’m crap at doing my daughter’s hair and it often resembles a burst mattress!  For the last two years running I’ve forgotten to even brush her hair on school photo day. I wouldn’t have bought the photos but parental guilt kicked in.

During the school year I don’t have time to be faffing around with hairstyles in the morning, getting dressed in time is challenging enough.  My repertoire didn’t go beyond putting it in a knotted ponytail.

As it’s the long weekend and as predicted it’s raining so we thought we’d spend a few minutes playing hairdresser trying out quick and easy hairstyles for little girls.

I don’t want her to get hung up on her hair but was looking for quick and easy ways to keep it out of her eyes when she is running around playing.

Please be gentle, as it was my first attempt but with a bit of practice, I reckon they would work but most importantly she loved them.

The pictures on the left are the inspiration and my daughter is on the right.

Simple Twist

How to tie up little girl's hair

This one is dead easy.  Simply twist the hair and clip into place.  Thanks to Girly Do‘s for the inspiration.

Classic Plaited Pigtails

Classic Plaited Pigtails

I love the simplicity and innocence of this one.  She still looks like a little girl.  Simply put hair into two ponytails and then plait.  Found at I know hair!

High Ponytail with Hairband

Ponytail with Hairband

Clip her fringe back.  Then using fingers, messily gather hair on top of her head and put in a ponytail.  Finish with a colourful hairband.  Perfect for keeping her hair out of her face while she is playing and learning.  Check out Latest Hairstyles for some fab inspiration.

Bunches of Colour

Bunches of Colour

This one probably made her yelp the most.  Simply start with one pigtail on her forehead and then progressively, in section, add more bunches.  Using multi-coloured elastics makes more dramatic.

Knotted Hair

Funky Knotted Hair

I can’t believe after all the time I spend trying to get the knots out of her hair I voluntarily put some more in??? Unfortunately, I ran out of little elastics, but as you can see if I carried on it would have been very effective.  There is a video tutorial at Girly Do’s Hairstyles.

I hope to slowly add more easy hairstyles.  Which one do you like best? Do you have any suggestions?

 

The Hidden Killer: Flapjacks

School BansYou have got to be fricking kidding me!  A school in Essex has banned triangular shaped flapjacks due to sharp edges!  A child had to go home after being hit with one.  Apparently, the rectangular ones are still safe. WTF?  Surely four corners are far more dangerous than three?

I have to admit I’ve tried making them before and they were hard as rock and couldn’t get them out of the pan, but I hardly think they can be classed as dangerous?

What are they going to ban next? I can think about a dozen things that have sharper edges than a flapjack or that would hurt more if hit by one.  I imagine getting hit by an apple thrown by a member of the Cricket Team would hurt a lot!

OMG and cutlery!   Can you imagine the damage someone could do with a teaspoon?  *note the sarcasm*

I work in education and over the years have seen health and safety getting more and more bonkers.  Can’t these people who put these rules in place see how ridiculous they’re being?  I’ve seen everything from Conkers, Lip Balm, Plasters, Boys Ties and British Bull dog banned.

I would love to know what happened to the kid that threw it?

Have you seen any other ridiculous examples of Health and Safety gone mad?

 

 

Highlight of Half-term: Forest School

And breathe!  We’ve just come to the end of a very busy half-term.  For once, I was organised and booked a few activities in for Madame.  She’s been to the local farm, play dates with friends, Play in the Parks Scheme, Spooky Animal Magic and Trick or Treating.  We almost need a break from our break.

However, the highlight for her by far was Forest School in St Albans.  I don’t know if it’s the Canadian in me but when I saw it advertised at school, I knew she had to go as I’m always on a quest to get her outside more.  It was held in a small Wood on the school property and runs rain or shine, so pop some wellies on and wrap up warm.

She came home beside herself with excitement.  They climbed trees, dug trenches for daffodils, carved wood medals using a peeler, made toast on the fire, drank hot chocolate and played on a make shift swing.  She also mentioned a Fire band for her hair but I’d rather not think about that one.

My only regret was not signing her up for the full 3 days, but we will definitely next time.

Disclosure:  Madame’s stylish Hunter Wellies were courtesy of Simply Hike