Baby & ToddlersBlogChildcareMumpreneurs & Mums at work

Mumpreneurs' testimonials: How mum and daughter became business partners in their innovative Granny agency

When we came across Francesca and her mum, we immediately understood how innovative and useful the service they provide can be. Here is what Francesca told us about the idea behind her new childcare service, Granny and I, that places experienced and trustworthy Grannies in families to help with childcare and housework. How and why did you start the ‘Granny & I’ childcare…
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Baby & ToddlersBlogChildcareParenting SkillsSchoolingSpecial Kids

Let me play (Trust me ... I'm learning)

A picture speaks a thousand words and this is one of my favourites. A shame it wasn’t around in 1999 when my 4 year old son was being constantly scolded, chastised and persecuted by his teachers. I’ve felt for a long time that children in the UK start school far too early and when this is compounded by being an August born child – the odds for a smooth ride in the early years, dwindle to…
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Childcare

Top tips for hiring an au pair

Janey Fraser, author of THE AU PAIR, page turning read for families and perfect for busy mums/summer reading and fans of WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING, has sent us great tips for hiring an au pair. 1. THE BEST AU PAIR: COUNTRY BY COUNTRY You can never generalise but in my experience (and that of my friends): The French can be moody – although they’re great…
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Baby & ToddlersChildcareMums TipsParenting Skills

Baby Sleep and Crying (by expert Alison Knights)

Why do babies cry? If you’re having problems with baby sleep and need advice with you baby not sleeping, read on for help from Ali Knights. Crying is nature’s way of saying, ‘I need you, I cannot manage how I feel on my own as I have not yet got the brain development to mange my distress, I need your help to make me feel calm again’. It is the most basic communication between baby and…
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BlogChildcareParenting Skills

Tips on keeping your child-minding mum happy

Research has shown that one in three working mums rely on their mums or mother-in-law’s for childcare when they return to work or further education. At face value this is a wonderful arrangement that works for both parties – you have piece of mind that the person responsible for your child has a vested interest and granny has lots of precious time with her grandchild.  Plus of course…
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BlogChildcare

DADS TAKE ON CHILDCARE DUTIES IN ONE IN SEVEN UK HOUSEHOLDS

Dads are the main childcare provider in one in seven (14%) UK households with dependent children, according to new research from life insurer Aviva. The study suggests at least 1.4 million* men in the UK, now take on the role of the ‘primary parent’. A further 25% of families with children under 18 say the childcare is shared equally between both parents. This is up from 18% in 2010 when a…
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BlogChildcareParenting Skills

New survey shows soaring cost of childcare is pushing the poorest out of work and children into poverty

Families on low-incomes across the UK are having to turn down jobs or are considering leaving work because they can’t afford to pay for childcare, according to new research from Save the Children and Daycare Trust. The survey also found that parents, regardless of income, say that they can’t afford not to work, but struggle to pay for childcare. And despite many parents cutting back their…
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Baby & ToddlersBlogChildcareParenting Skills

Tips on how to deal with a babysitter when you leave your child for the first time (by guest blogger Georgie Jones)

As every new mother knows, leaving your child with someone new is a scary experience. Every bone in your body says your baby should be with you, but there comes a time when you must take the plunge and allow yourself a well-deserved break and some ‘me time’. We often get asked by parents of ways in which to make the experience easier and there are definitely some easy tips that will help…
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