1 April 2014
I enjoy cooking. Ok, let’s qualify that. I like to cook for guests and entertaining. I’m am bored senseless by cooking for the kids everyday. My children don’t have adventurous […]
31 March 2014
Creating a sensory tub for different themes is a fabulous way to get your little one interested and learning about different special days, colours, textures, sizes, shapes and theme related […]
27 March 2014
My LO is turning one on Saturday. I have no idea what to do. I didn’t plan on anything other than a cake, a hat, balloon and a photograph (given […]
26 March 2014
Everyone has a least favourite household chore. Mine, along with ironing, is cleaning bathrooms. There is something about cleaning up after everyone’s mess in the bathroom that really bugs me. […]
25 March 2014
What a super fruit! Deliciously sweet with a firm and creamy flesh, bananas come ready packaged in their own skins and are freely available year round. Easy to eat from […]
22 March 2014
Stress-Free Packed Lunches: How to Get Organised and Keep Kids Happy Packed lunch ideas for primary school children can quickly become a source of daily stress for busy parents. My […]
21 March 2014
The skies are bluer, the breeze is warmer, the flowers are blooming and cute, cuddly baby creatures are being born. Along with all these marvelous changes to our environment, it […]
19 March 2014
This cookie recipe is truly a miracle cookie recipe. I had never used a cake mix to make cookies before and can’t believe how simple and quick and fuss free […]
17 March 2014
My older boy just turned 6 and for his special day he wanted a Minion Party based on the Minions from the movie Despicable Me. Here are some ideas to […]
17 March 2014
Mother’s Day is an annual holiday that recognizes mothers and motherhood and is set aside so that families can show their appreciation and gratitude for their mothers.
16 March 2014
My son recently had a birthday and for his special day he wanted a Minion Party based on the Minions from the movie Despicable Me. Here are some decorating ideas […]
15 March 2014
My gorgeous middle child just turned 6 and for his special day he wanted a Minion Party based on the Minions from the movie Despicable Me. Here are some ideas […]
25 February 2014
Here is a quick kids meal for those rushed after school days. It uses a few simple ingredients that you may already have in your store cupboard or fridge. Add […]
7 February 2014
We asked parents how they managed flying long distance with small babies and toddlers and compiled a list of tried and tested ideas. Flying with babies can be especially daunting. […]
5 February 2014
It can’t get simpler than this. A paper heart for any occasion from Valentines Day to just a everyday show of love, this love heart is sure to please the […]
5 February 2014
Toddlers and preschoolers need plenty of time to just run around and play – adventure playgrounds, parks and the beach are all great places for kids this age. If you […]
1 February 2014
A friend has recently told me about an organization whose mission it is to get adults reading to children at least 15 minutes each day.
29 January 2014
This question was recently posted on a social networking site I visit; “Just wondering if anyone has ideas for rewards/treats for a 3 year old boy? We’re using a rewards […]
12 December 2013
You’ve been blessed with a new little person in your world. At first everything is about coping and getting it right, but one day you are in your groove and […]
10 December 2013
When you have small children, it can be difficult to create a fun and child appropriate Christmas eve celebration. Make Christmas eve a special and entertaining one for the whole […]
6 December 2013
For most adults, eye care is largely taken for granted. But when it comes to children, it can be difficult to know what to look for with regard to eye […]
1 December 2013
Very few poeple I know don’t enjoy gingerbread. My children like to make gingerbread,m but only if they get to use the cookie cutters and create shapes out of the […]
1 December 2013
Do you have a stash of leftover bits from wrapping paper? Don’t like to throw them out but have no idea what to do with them? In this article I […]
23 November 2013
Mella’s Makings – providing beautiful handmade gifts that will bring a smile to the faces of those you love! Embroidered Keepsake Hearts, Bunting, Cushions, Lavender Bags, Christmas Decorations and many […]
20 November 2013
Now this one really is made for an emergency at Christmas – when all your guests have gobbled up the other cakes and biscuits. You may also prefer this as […]
6 November 2013
At each stage in a child’s development, your role as a parent changes. The support, encouragement and type of interaction your child needs from you is constantly adapting as he […]
19 October 2013
Are you tired of the usual carrot left for the reindeer? Tired of answering the “Do the reindeer come inside to eat the carrots?” question. The “why do we only […]
3 January 2013
Cold, wet and rainy days usually mean we head for cover and warmth indoors, but snow is a different story. Snow , for the most part, is greeted with excitement […]
1 January 2013
After the excitement of unwrapping all those gifts on Christmas morning, how can you make the thrill of all those new items last? Organising your Christmas toys This article explores […]
15 December 2012
If our last list of ideas wasn’t enough to get you started, here are 25 more!
5 December 2012
Ever wondered what all the decorations mean and why we use them to decorate our homes at Christmas? Here are some of the more common symbols of Christmas and why they are used… […]
9 November 2012
This is a great way for you to help your child to celebrate themselves. Children enjoy making and creating things about themselves. Children usually have a sense of pride in […]
7 November 2012
Help your child to learn the significance of writing. What it represents and means. Writing is a series of symbols. Children are able to memorise and recognise letters as they […]
5 November 2012
We have decided to do a series of activity and crafts articles to help you and your toddler make the most of the Nursery Rhymes we all know and love. […]
19 October 2012
Have you been wondering how to create or provide the opportunity for literacy development? Do you know that there are really simple and effective ways to do this in your […]
19 October 2012
A friend recently had a Facebook status asking for ideas about starting Christmas traditions with her 2 year old son. So I literally spewed all my family traditions into her […]
12 October 2012
Read here to find out how to move home successfully with toddlers, how to prepare them for the move and getting them to help. Moving is a stressful experience for […]
30 September 2012
Did you know that 38% of grade four students have reading abilities below the lowest basic level as determined by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)? The NAEP is […]
25 September 2012
So, you want to teach your child to read, but before a child can learn to read, he or she must first learn at least some of the letters […]
20 September 2012
Phonics is the foundation of reading and writing. For children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), it opens the door to literacy in a fun, interactive, and meaningful way. […]
15 September 2012
Learning to read at a young age is important for the development of the child. It helps them develop a better understand of their surroundings, allows them to gather information […]
11 September 2012
Do you know what’s wrong with our children today? The problem is that the powerful brains of our healthy children are rarely challenged by complicated thoughts. Instead, they’re further dulled […]
10 September 2012
In our world, there have been some exceptionally brilliant minds, and many of these individuals learned to read at a young age, usually by 3 years old. Here are a […]
10 January 2012
Be consistent about bed times and waking times. Your toddler is more likely to respond positively if he’s used to a specified schedule. The earlier your child’s routine is established, […]
16 October 2011
I make no apologies, this Christmas cake has been in print for over 21 years. I have been making this cake since 1994. Over the years I have adapted […]
29 September 2011
Autumn is a lovely transitional time of year when the fresh colours of summer give way to all things red, orange, golden and brown. I adore how the landscape changes […]
5 July 2011
Here is a good seaside activity to do using coloured sand to make an original artwork. Sand Painting is a fun and easy way to create something really worth treasuring. […]
4 July 2011
Here is a simple and fun craft to do with your preschoolers, either upon returning from a beach holiday or take the ingredients with you and make it while at […]
3 July 2011
When are babies able to understand and begin to control their behaviour? When can you begin to set boundaries and when do they become aware of actions and the consequences […]
2 July 2011
Right from birth, babies enjoy the company of others and learn by interacting with others. They try to attract attention in a variety of ways and begin to use their […]
1 July 2011
Being with others in a social environment helps children to build relationships and develop the ability to participate fully in society. Babies and children need to be with people who […]
19 May 2011
Every parent wants to ensure that their child is healthy. How do we do this? By making sure that they eat from each food group each day. Healthy Eating for […]
18 May 2011
Just when your baby is becoming a better sleeper teething pain arrives to wake her up.Here we look at symptoms and tips to help you and your baby through it! […]
10 May 2011
As babies develop, they become more aware of their environments and the people who are around them. Playing helps babies to learn about everything they hear and observe through their […]
13 April 2011
I love to bake with my children. It is a lovely way to spend time together. It is a valuable teaching possibility and you end up with something delicious you […]
1 February 2011
Valentine’s Day is often considered a more adult celebration. But it need not be. Have some lovey dovey fun making hearts, homemade heart shaped cookies or sweets and decorating the table […]
30 January 2011
A good balance of your time is needed for work, goals, recreation, and relaxation. Take a close look at your daily routine, examine your findings and come up with a […]
28 January 2011
Little children love books… so take advantage of their natural interest and get them into the habit of reading . Here’s a quick guide to getting them started.
27 January 2011
Little children love books… so take advantage of their natural interest and get them into the habit of reading . Here’s a quick guide to getting them started.
20 December 2010
Are you having a Christmas Party? Here are a few cheap and easy ideas to keep the little ones amused and having fun.
20 December 2010
There is nothing as wonderful as walking into a home literally smelling of Christmas! These can even be used as a gift-in-a-jar present and are cheaper then buying Christmas oils […]
19 December 2010
Christmas can be a stressful time for those who are hosting or organising a Christmas event. One of the things that should be fun, it styling your home for Christmas. […]
18 December 2010
This is especially for all those enjoying the snow and who need something to keep them warm on those chilly nights…And it makes a nice alternative to mulled wine. Spiced Cider […]
17 December 2010
This is a really Quick Christmas Fruitcake for all of us who are rushed off our feet and haven’t found the time to do the Traditional “thing” — or couldn’t […]
14 December 2010
Here are some great Christmas decorating ideas to make this Christmas just that more special for your kids and family.
13 December 2010
The kiddies will love making these in all sizes and shapes. They smell really great and look gorgeous on your tree…and if anyone is really starving after Christmas lunch, they […]
12 December 2010
For all chocolate lovers and reluctant bakers…this brownie mix is such a lovely gift to give at Christmas! Spend a little time layering the ingredients so that they look attractive […]
11 December 2010
What would Christmas be without some genuine Scottish Shortbread to nibble on? Here is a delicious and simple shortbread mix to prepare in advance for your own home baking or […]
11 December 2010
I love baking with my children. Measuring and weighing, chopping, mixing and decorating our home bakes make for a fun and educational activity. It also gives us special time. We […]
10 December 2010
This yummy chocolate is just what is needed for the cold winter days. Make a jar ahead of time to for your family to enjoy, or as a special treat […]
9 December 2010
Here’s a great gift for those Moms who did so much cooking, baking and decorating for Christmas. A wonderful way to relax after all the guests have gone home. 1. Coloured […]
8 December 2010
People always appreciate gifts that are thoughtful, home made and unique. That is what makes this Gift-in-a-Jar something different and special. For the nut lover , this is an especially decadent […]
8 December 2010
I’s only Twelve days until Christmas. Here are 12 fun things to do with your children. One for each day from now til Christmas Eve. Let the Christmas countdown begin! […]
7 December 2010
Making beautiful Christmas Gift in a Jar presents is fun, inexpensive and very unique. The kids (of all ages) can really get involved with this and make Christmas giving even […]
6 December 2010
Fruity Apple Raisin Christmas Stuffing 3/4 cup of minced onion 1 1/2 cups of chopped celery 1 cup of butter 7 cups of soft bread cubes 1 tablespoon of salt […]
11 November 2010
Now that the rain keeps falling, I thought you may like to learn some fun and funny poems about rain with your toddler RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY Mother Goose Rain, […]
24 October 2010
Children do not often get many opportunities to use scissors; either because we forget about them or because we are too scared to let them have a go. However, cutting […]
20 October 2010
Good ideas fromAmazingMoms.com – to which I have added my own points. Combine dressing up in costumes with free candy and you create a kid friendly holiday! Although Halloween is […]
8 August 2010
Make a tasty, edible goldfish bowl that will be a great hit with your toddlers. Age group: 2+ years What you need: Blue jelly or gelatin and blue food colouring. […]
1 August 2010
After going to a pick-your-own farm to pick strawberries, why not make your own jam? Here is a recipe for NO COOK Strawberry Jam. Let your child mash the berries […]
28 July 2010
The three-year-old is full of wonder and spends a lot of time watching, observing, and imitating. Their days are filled with busy exploration of their world. Become a part of […]
24 July 2010
It’s exciting when your baby starts eating solid foods. But, just as there are foods you like or dislike, there will be foods they like and ones they don’t. That […]
23 July 2010
Get baking with your toddlers this holiday and make these incredibly simple yet scrummy brownies… So yum, they may not even have enough time to cool down before they disappear! […]
22 July 2010
You are your child’s first role model. You are your child’s first and best teacher. Your baby learns from observing you, how you interact with him and other people, and […]
20 July 2010
Have you ever wondered how to go about helping your child get to grips with the basics of numeracy? Here I cover some ideas for teaching your child about number […]
17 July 2010
Simply talking, singing, playing sound and word games, reading, writing and drawing with your child are easy ways to build a firm literacy foundation. Your usual everyday activities, like going to […]
16 July 2010
Your baby’s introduction to “baby food” will set his tastes and favourites for many years to come. So when should you start? The best time to wean your baby onto […]
15 July 2010
You know how you get stickers that you can scratch and sniff? Well here is my version of fun and smelly homemade paints! Well technically it’s not homemade paints, but […]
14 July 2010
This yummy fruity banana recipe is perfect for the summer while Strawberries are in abundance…try it with other berries too! Preheat oven to 375° F. PASTRY 1 1/3 cups flour […]
10 July 2010
For many parents, the idea of six weeks of summer holidays is terrifying. How will you keep your children amused and happy? What can you do to make sure they […]
2 July 2010
We find it normal when boys mess around with plastic popguns and girls play with floral patterned tea sets. But if they trade toys, most of us are overcome with […]
15 June 2010
We thought we’d look at Dad’s and how they can be better in their roles as parents. Father’s have an important role to play in the lives of their children. […]
1 June 2010
Developing your child’s Imagination and therefore their Imaginative play ability is easier than you think. Young children should be provided with opportunities to explore and share their ideas, feelings and […]
29 May 2010
Feel like a grown-up drink with the ladies but worried about your unborn baby or the quality of your milk whilst breast feeding? Try these delicious cocktails that look the part […]
24 May 2010
Here’s a fun dessert recipe to try after a day working in the garden and digging up bugs, worms and other creepy crawlies…or just because it’s fun to be icky! […]
14 May 2010
This is a simple craft for young children. Using some basic materials and inspiration from nature, you can create a beautiful blossom branch to welcome the arrival of Spring.
14 May 2010
Fussy eaters can be a worry, especially if your child refuses to eat. BUT it is worth knowing that it is extremely rare for a child to starve themselves! In […]
7 May 2010
Teaching your toddler about being healthy , active and taking care of their bodies is so important and helps them to develop the habit of self-care. Fitness, good eating habits […]
1 May 2010
Ever wondered what you could be doing for your littlest ones to help them discover the joys of movement? Here are some age appropriate play ideas for learning about moving […]
28 April 2010
Banana and chocolate are a great combination, so why not try these scrummy banana chocolate muffins as an alternative to the usual chocolate muffin? OK, so the picture definitely does […]
26 April 2010
Personally I don’t need any excuses to eat either chocolate or strawberries, so this decedant dessert is perfect for me…and I’d wager, some of you find the combination very appealing […]
21 April 2010
This recipe makes around 12 delicious muffins so you will probably need to double it to keep everyone happy. Why not use it to make Muffin baskets for friends and family […]
15 April 2010
What better way is there to get your little ones thinking about our planet than by filling a week with activities about it. We have put together some practical ideas […]
4 April 2010
This activity is really simple and lots of fun. It can provide a platform for teaching your child about insects and other creepy crawlies, as well as exploring shapes in […]
1 April 2010
Nursery Rhymes Series Part 3: We have decided to do a series of activity and crafts articles to help you and your toddler make the most of the Nursery Rhymes we […]
29 March 2010
You can make this farmyard favourite using cotton wool and paper. It is great as part of a display or just as a sweet activity to do with your young […]
27 March 2010
It’s always fun to make butterflies as a craft activity. In this post I will be sharing a few ideas of different ways to make butterflies with your small children. […]
24 March 2010
Music is present in many areas of our daily lives. From live musical scores in theatre to television, mainstream movies, a celebration of worship through song, special holiday and celebration […]
21 March 2010
Home made gifts are always the best! And this one is no exception. Mother’s and other relatives will love receiving this bright, cheerful and useful present.
20 March 2010
These adorable chicks are a great way to celebrate Springtime.
15 March 2010
St. Patrick’s Day remembers the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. This public holiday has grown into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special Irish foods, […]
15 March 2010
Toddler friendly rainbow themed activities to use for weather projects or as St Patrick’s day activities
1 March 2010
Stay-at-Home Parent Tips Being a stay-at-home parent caring for your baby can sometimes feel long and overwhelming. The routine can be frustrating when days blend into one another without clear […]
28 February 2010
Saint David’s Day is the feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and falls on 1 March each year.
25 February 2010
To give you a hint about what books are available for toddlers, I have searched through recommended lists and asked some mums for their toddlers favourites. This is what we […]
23 February 2010
Your angelic child is suddenly irritable, overactive or demanding. You’ve checked and she’s not hungry, cold/hot, bored or wearing a soiled nappy. So what could it be? Chances are she’s overtired.
21 February 2010
In modern times, with the invention of television, DVDs, games consoles, computers and other visual media, books have taken a less prominant role in our lives. So why is it still […]
19 February 2010
How do you know what types of books to choose for your baby or toddler? What can you do to encourage and foster a love of reading? Below I discuss […]
17 February 2010
Most babies and toddlers love books. They are often funny, bright and colourful, with loveable characters. But there are many reasons to read books that are less obvious. Take advantage […]
15 February 2010
Here are some pancake fillings to try this Pancake Tuesday. From savoury to sweet, I am sure you will find some to make your pancake day especially yummy.
14 February 2010
It’s nearly pancake Day, so with that in mind, we have put together some fabulous pancake recipes that can be enjoyed for breakfast lunch or dinner…as starters, main meals or […]
11 February 2010
Every parent wants to ensure that their child is healthy. How do you do this? How do you go about getting your toddler or small child to enjoy healthy eating? […]
8 February 2010
Here is a really quick and easy way to make a cute Heart-shaped person.
22 January 2010
What can parents do now to prepare their kids in the right direction towards thinking for themselves and making good (or better) choices? Experience tells us that prudence can be […]
20 January 2010
Each area of your home provides you with a unique form of comfort. Comfort and clutter cannot co-exist. Clutter and mess only serves to bring unbalance and will dampen any […]
10 January 2010
How This Simple Act of Affection Yields Major Gains in the Child’s Health, Disposition, and Overall Development. In a November 2005 issue of the “The Straits Times”, a leading Singapore […]
2 January 2010
Children of all ages love magnets. They are easy to come by and there are some really cheap varieties in office supply stores. You don’t need fancy shapes or colours.
30 December 2009
Nursery Rhymes series Part 1: We have decided to do a series of activity and crafts articles to help you and your toddler make the most of the Nursery Rhymes we […]
7 December 2009
Everyone loves Santa’s reindeer so here’s how to use your toddler’s foot and handprints to make this adorable reindeer face.
25 November 2009
This cake recipe has plenty of delicious dried fruit, pecans and just a hint of dark chocolate. Make it early so that you can “feed” it brandy often before Christmas day arrives!
20 November 2009
Toddlers love glueing and this craft project will give them the opportunity to stick wooden lolly sticks onto a hedgehog body shape to create their own little woodland friend.
13 November 2009
Santa Claus is coming to town! But before he does, he has a personalised letter for every child excitedly waiting for his annual visit. The NSPCC’s Letter from Santa fundraising […]
12 November 2009
Babies and toddlers learn to talk by listening. The more words they are exposed to, the quicker they learn to talk. Daily exposure to words helps the brain to develop. […]
11 November 2009
You know how at the end of Christmas, when you’ve taken down the beautiful Christmas tree that has brightened up your home, everything suddenly looks bare and sad? I always […]
10 November 2009
How To Teach Your Baby Sign Language by: Nicole Dean The word is spreading. Sign language is a great way to communicate with pre-verbal babies and toddler. New moms everywhere […]
10 November 2009
Use a few simple items to create magical miniature winter scenes in old glass jars. These make cute gifts for friends and family too.
5 November 2009
The 3in1 Harvest basket is an simple, adaptable craft which can be used to make a free-standing decoration for your sideboard, a greetings card, or even a set of place-card holders […]
3 November 2009
Fireworks are lots of fun but they can also be very dangerous. If you are not planning going to an organised fireworks event but rather to have fireworks of your […]
3 November 2009
Fireworks of all kinds are used to celebrate Guy Fawkes and New Year’s Eve as well as many other celebration days. They can be designed to burn with coloured flames […]
29 October 2009
I don’t know about the area where you live but it seems that at the moment, where I live, every village has an apple or harvest festival scheduled. With many wonderful products to […]
28 October 2009
If you are keen to do some modelling and to make a decoration which will last a little longer than paper or card crafts, try making salt dough models. This is much […]
28 October 2009
Apples are a plenty at this time of year and for those looking to celebrate Harvest, here are some creative ideas to do just that with your toddler. This craft […]
28 October 2009
This is a traditional favourite much loved by all South Africans.
27 October 2009
Yummy Mummies: Have lots of fun with your toddler creating these great party favours. They look very good as Halloween table decorations filled with all sorts of goodies.
27 October 2009
This is a very easy way to make a realistic looking leaf, using a real leaf as the template , a piece of paper and a crayon (or crayons). Read on […]
26 October 2009
During Harvest, our thoughts turn to pumpkins, apples and squashes. Here is the perfect toddler craft that is easily adapted to suit all three!
26 October 2009
Stage a spooky scene by assembling a colony of these winged creatures made from miniature pumpkins and craft foam.
23 October 2009
Some seriously simple and cheap spider craft ideas for you to make with your preschooler.
22 October 2009
Nursery Rhymes Series Part 1: We have decided to do a series of activity and crafts articles to help you and your toddler make the most of the Nursery Rhymes we […]
22 October 2009
Get a little silly with these Spidery Songs. They are sung to the tunes of well known songs so they should be easy for your toddler to learn!
