http://www.parentdish.co.uk Parentdish http://www.parentdish.co.uk/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.parentdish.co.uk en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/12/light-up-the-nursery-top-designs-to-brighten-your-room/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/12/light-up-the-nursery-top-designs-to-brighten-your-room/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/12/light-up-the-nursery-top-designs-to-brighten-your-room/#comments Filed under: Baby, Toddlers, Kids+, Fun & activities, Development, Gadgets, Kid decor & style

When we decorated our baby's room I found the barrage of pink or blue options a little on the overwhelming side and not really very 'us'. So if you're looking for something a little less traditional and a touch more contemporary too, here are a few ... Read more

 

]]>birdcagecontemporarydecorateDutch by DesignDutchByDesigngeometryhandmadehomeHunkydory HomeHunkydoryHomeinterior designlamplampshadelightlumiloveMathmosnurseryprojectorrabbitrecyclestyleSally FortWed, 12 Aug 2009 10:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/10/baby-wearing-all-you-need-to-know-about-slings/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/10/baby-wearing-all-you-need-to-know-about-slings/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/10/baby-wearing-all-you-need-to-know-about-slings/#comments Filed under: Baby, Baby & toddler buys

Slings are the ideal hands-free way to carry your baby from birth until between one and two years. A sling keeps baby close to you so great for bonding and gives you more chance to get something done by giving you back two hands, while baby is ... Read more

 

]]>babybaby carrierBabyCarrierBig Mama SlingsBigMamaSlingsbondingbreastfeedcarryingcomfortdadsDrew Baby DesignsDrewBabyDesignsetsypapooseposturepouchpouch slingPouchSlingsewing patternSewingPatternsleepslingtailor madeTailorMadeThe BabywearerTheBabywearerSally FortMon, 10 Aug 2009 04:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/06/cbeebies-waybuloo-yoga-ing-vicariously-through-my-child/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/06/cbeebies-waybuloo-yoga-ing-vicariously-through-my-child/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/06/cbeebies-waybuloo-yoga-ing-vicariously-through-my-child/#comments Filed under: Toddlers, Kids+, Fun & activities, Development, Toys & Games

Some parents may not be natural sporting types. I'd be the first to count myself among them. I race round after a toddler for more hours than I care to count, congratulating myself on the miles I cover and the healthy glow I build up via a 20 minute ... Read more

 

]]>animalCBeebieschildrenclassesexcerciseJapaneseposesportSure StartSureStarttoddlerstvWaybulooworkshopsyogayoga bananasYogaBananasyogabugszen gardenZenGardenSally FortThu, 06 Aug 2009 04:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/05/nspccs-top-tips-to-help-children-surf-safely/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/05/nspccs-top-tips-to-help-children-surf-safely/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/05/nspccs-top-tips-to-help-children-surf-safely/#comments Filed under: Kids+, Primary School, Development, Behaviour & development

A few weeks ago I happened to be watching Channel 4's Sex Education Show. It cut to the heart of several issues relevant to young people today with a frankness I found admirable, if unexpected. I imagine there were more than a few parents and other ... Read more

 

]]>Channel 4internetNSPCCsafetysafety.netsex educationSexEducationtop tipsTopTipsyoung peopleSally FortWed, 05 Aug 2009 07:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/03/beginners-guide-to-baby-signing/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/03/beginners-guide-to-baby-signing/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/08/03/beginners-guide-to-baby-signing/#comments Filed under: Baby, Fun & activities, Siblings, Primary School

When my boy was 5 months old I heard a radio interview about baby signing. A month later I started back at work and my first contract was evaluating a project with artists and therapists working in nurseries to try and improve communication with ... Read more

 

]]>baby sign languagebaby sign language basicsbaby signingBabySigningBabySignLanguageBabySignLanguageBasicssign languageSignLanguageSally FortMon, 03 Aug 2009 04:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/30/summer-holiday-lifesaver-cool-papercraft-websites/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/30/summer-holiday-lifesaver-cool-papercraft-websites/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/30/summer-holiday-lifesaver-cool-papercraft-websites/#comments Filed under: Things to Do

So, right on cue at the start of the summer holidays, the rain comes. Stuck indoors and feeling the pressure to entertain? Something impressive, constructive, minimum effort, maximum results? Look no further than good old fashioned paper. There a ... Read more

 

]]>artbugscolouring inColouringIncraftcreaturesfairy talesFairyTalesmodel aeroplanesModelAeroplanesmodelsmonstersorigamipaperpapercraftquirkyrainy daysRainyDaysrobotsspaceshipssummer holidaysSummerHolidaysSally FortThu, 30 Jul 2009 04:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/29/vintage-style-mums-born-in-the-1970s/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/29/vintage-style-mums-born-in-the-1970s/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/29/vintage-style-mums-born-in-the-1970s/#comments Filed under: Toddlers, Kids+, Just for mums, Fun & activities, Baby & toddler buys, Mum buys

I know the 1980s are where it's at. Neon jelly shoes, big belts and Wayfarers. But really, when you were there first time round, doesn't it make you shudder, just a little bit? For me it's all about the 1970s and I don't think I'm alone. Here's my ... Read more

 

]]>1970s1980sBagpussbakingClothkitsdomesticfashiongardeningIvor the EngineIvorTheEnginejumpsuitMaxi-dressneonOliver PostgateOliverPostgateretrosewingspace invadersSpaceInvadersThe ClangersThe Good LifeTheClangersTheGoodLifeTVvintageWayfarersSally FortWed, 29 Jul 2009 07:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/27/playgrounds-of-the-future-are-here-today/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/27/playgrounds-of-the-future-are-here-today/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/27/playgrounds-of-the-future-are-here-today/#comments Filed under: Toddlers, Kids+, Fun & activities, Primary School, Development, Toys & Games, Gadgets

Glowing Pathfinder Bugs from squidie on Vimeo. Last year the government said it wanted 3500 more children to have outside places to play in by 2011, and thus a new playground building movement was set in motion. In March this year another £1.5 ... Read more

 

]]>CarnforthDenmarkdigitalDiscovery CentreDiscoveryCentreearly yearsEarlyYearsEast LondonEastLondonenvironmentalEurekaForest SchoolsForestSchoolsfuturisticHalifaxinfant schoolsInfantSchoolsLancashireManchesteroutdoorspixelplaygroundplaygroundssandpitStratfordtechnologySally FortMon, 27 Jul 2009 07:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/23/facebook-saved-my-boys-bedtime/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/23/facebook-saved-my-boys-bedtime/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/23/facebook-saved-my-boys-bedtime/#comments Filed under: Toddlers, Childcare, Gadgets

Here's a tip. Don't lock yourself and toddler out of the house half an hour before toddler's bedtime. Don't leave your phone in the house at the time. Particularly if you haven't memorised the number of the only other person with a key and they're ... Read more

 

]]>babysittingbedtimefeaturedkeyssocial mediasocial netowrkingSally FortThu, 23 Jul 2009 04:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/22/puffins-we-make-stories-a-new-generation-of-young-digital-stor/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/22/puffins-we-make-stories-a-new-generation-of-young-digital-stor/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/22/puffins-we-make-stories-a-new-generation-of-young-digital-stor/#comments Filed under: Kids+, Dads, Fun & activities, Primary School, Development, Toys & Games, Gadgets

It has been said on occasion I spend a little too much time online. I argue that there are learning benefits, it's research, it's part of my job, it's for my child's future. Likewise my husband argues that yes our two year old really does need the ... Read more

 

]]>animationbookbookscharacterschildrendesigndigitalfairy talesFairyTalesgalleryinteractiveinternetlearningliteracymonstersonlinePuffinreadingstoriesSally FortWed, 22 Jul 2009 10:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/20/vote-for-your-favourite-family-friendly-museum/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/20/vote-for-your-favourite-family-friendly-museum/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/20/vote-for-your-favourite-family-friendly-museum/#comments Filed under: Baby, Toddlers, Kids+, Fun & activities, Places to go / holidays, Single Parents

The Guardian Family Friendly Award 2009 wants you to nominate your favourite family friendly museum. What makes a museum family friendly? It could anything from the crayons and sketch book placemats in the cafe or the workshops every Saturday morning ... Read more

 

]]>accessawardfamily friendlygallerymuseumnominationsOrkneyPier Arts CentrePierArtsCentreprimary schoolPrimarySchoolworkshopsSally FortMon, 20 Jul 2009 07:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/16/online-shopping-for-handmade-summer-birthday-presents/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/16/online-shopping-for-handmade-summer-birthday-presents/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/16/online-shopping-for-handmade-summer-birthday-presents/#comments Filed under: Toddlers, Kids+, Fun & activities, Toys & Games

As a child I was always the one with the birthday in the summer holiday. My parents had to whip round all my friends' houses to drop their party invite through their door, whilst we sat hoping at least someone would turn up and not quite everyone ... Read more

 

]]>bedroombirthdaysboyscoatscraftcustomisedfishfluffy animalsFluffyAnimalsgiftsgirlshandmadeinterior decorInteriorDecorjacketslizardsparty dressPartyDresspersonalisedpicturespiratespresentsragdollshoppingsoft toysSoftToysswedish designSwedishDesigntea setsTeaSetstoysSally FortThu, 16 Jul 2009 04:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/15/what-your-child-did-in-school-today-ages-8-to-10/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/15/what-your-child-did-in-school-today-ages-8-to-10/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/15/what-your-child-did-in-school-today-ages-8-to-10/#comments Filed under: Kids+, Primary School, Development

The last in this series of what your child experiences in their day-to-day school life. Since it's nearing the end of term and summer holidays are on the horizon, here is a rather unusual example. Is this what you expect to find in your child's ... Read more

 

]]>assemblyassessmentcreativecurriculumdevelopmentDevoneducationgolden timelearninglearning logsliteracymassagemathsschoolschool daytermSally FortWed, 15 Jul 2009 10:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/13/summer-festivals-for-children/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/13/summer-festivals-for-children/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/13/summer-festivals-for-children/#comments Filed under: Toddlers, Kids+, Fun & activities, Places to go / holidays

I love festivals. Not just your 'get muddy and rock out' type but the 'all the fun of the fair' type too. This weekend Manchester International Festival held a specially created children's event for 3- to 11-year-olds called The Great Indoors. It was ... Read more

 

]]>activitesBollywoodBristolBristol Harbour Childrens FestivalBristolHarbourChildrensFestivalcinemacircusecoentertainmenteventsFamily Friendly Film FestivalFamilyFriendlyFilmFestivalfeaturedfestivalfilmfunGlastonburyGlastonbury Childrens FestivalGlastonburyChildrensFestivalKingstonManchesterManchester International FestivalManchesterInternationalFestivalNottingham Childrens FestivalNottinghamChildrensFestivalOxfordperformancepuppetsRose Theatre Childrens FestivalRoseTheatreChildrensFestivalstoriesstory tellingStoryTellingsummer holidaysThe GruffaloThe Tiger Who Came To TeatheatreTheGruffaloTheTigerWhoCameToTeaTowerseyTowersey Village Childrens FestivalTowerseyVillageChildrensFestivalWere going on a BearhuntWereGoingOnABearhuntworkshopsSally FortMon, 13 Jul 2009 05:30:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/09/childrens-art-day/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/09/childrens-art-day/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/09/childrens-art-day/#comments Filed under: Toddlers, Kids+, Fun & activities

A national celebration of art for and with children is upon us. From the basic to the bizarre, a wild and wonderful variety of art activities for children and families sweeps the country today and into the weekend. Children's Art Day encourages ... Read more

 

]]>CardiffcrafteventeventsfamilyflaggalleriesgalleryLondonmuseummuseumsnationalRochdaleschoolsstitchSally FortThu, 09 Jul 2009 04:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/08/what-your-child-did-at-school-today-ages-5-to-7/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/08/what-your-child-did-at-school-today-ages-5-to-7/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/08/what-your-child-did-at-school-today-ages-5-to-7/#comments Filed under: Kids+, Primary School, Development

It's nearly the end of the school year. Children and teachers racing round like crazy getting ready for end of year shows, school fayres and festivals. But are they still learning while they're at it? The national curriculum is the thread that runs ... Read more

 

]]>Sally FortWed, 08 Jul 2009 07:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/06/make-your-own-story-time-cushion/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/06/make-your-own-story-time-cushion/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/06/make-your-own-story-time-cushion/#comments Filed under: Kids+, Fun & activities

Just a few minutes reading with your child each day can help their own reading come on in leaps and bounds, whatever their age. If yours struggle to sit still for reading, making a special cushion together just for storytime could be your secret ... Read more

 

]]>chaircharity shopCharityShopcomfortcushionhandmademakerecyclesewsofaSally FortMon, 06 Jul 2009 05:30:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/02/what-your-child-did-in-nursery-today-ages-1-to-4/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/02/what-your-child-did-in-nursery-today-ages-1-to-4/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/02/what-your-child-did-in-nursery-today-ages-1-to-4/#comments Filed under: Baby, Toddlers, Childcare, Primary School, Development

Ever wonder exactly what goes on at nursery? You know your child comes home with the odd card, cake or painting. Mostly, it's a bit of mystery. Nurseries and child-minders follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, a structure of learning ... Read more

 

]]>child minderChildMindercookingEarly Years Foundation StageEYFSlearningnurseryroutineSally FortThu, 02 Jul 2009 04:00:00 ESThttp://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/01/round-up-make-and-do-kits-for-children/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/01/round-up-make-and-do-kits-for-children/http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2009/07/01/round-up-make-and-do-kits-for-children/#comments Filed under: Toddlers, Kids+, Fun & activities, Toys & Games

Do you remember learning to sew or knit when you were little? With homes overflowing with plastic chunky things and electronic gizmos, it's easy to overlook the simple things in life like sitting down, switching everything off, and making something. ... Read more

 

]]>cakecraftecoenvironmentally friendlyhandmadekitknitmakemosaicpuppetsewSnowfishSparrowkidsSally FortWed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 EST