Older Children

As our children grow from little people into young adults, keeping an open dialogue is probably one of the most important things we can do. Though at times it is hard to find the right words, our youngsters need us to stay open, aware and free from judgement. The idea behind Thinking About Sex Day on 14th February is to encourage everyone to think about the physical and psychological issues surrounding sexual activity. The day is organised by the Sexual Advice Association (formerly the Sexual Dysfunction Association), a charity which aims to improve the sexual health and wellbeing of men and women.

January is the ideal time to get away. There are lots of great deals to be had across the UK and, even if January doesn’t strike you as the best time to be exploring the countryside, if we are blessed with crisp, cold days, a winter walk can be magical. With so much incredible countryside all around us, escaping after the rush and bustle of the festive period can be just what the doctor ordered. Finding yourself in a cosy cottage with a roaring fire and just the sound of birdsong to interrupt your thoughts, offers the chance to reflect on the past year and the year to come.

If you’ve got a young family, there’s a good chance you won’t be out until the early hours of New Year’s Day, coming home with a traffic cone on your head and few memories of the night before. But there are loads of fun ways you can make New Year celebrations magical and memorable, without the dreadful hangover and lost wallet and/or keys. Kids naturally pick up on the excitement of a new year, and whether you celebrate new year as the beginning of January or in March (Iranians) or October (Pagans) etc., this time of year naturally lends itself to both celebration and reflection. Here are ten ways to celebrate with your family:

Already feeling a bit ragged by the annual build up to those few days? It’s amazing the pressure we put ourselves under to make them memorable and perfect in every way.

All children are different and, as such, they all have different needs. Some children, however, have greater needs than others. Perhaps you suspect that there is something more to your child’s quirks and have ruled out the possibility of an ASD, maybe you’re struggling with doubts over how to handle your child’s intense emotions and behaviours or maybe you’re just wondering about how best to approach raising a child who is very sensitive seeming.

Dan and I knew we were going to home educate from the start. We might have had wobbly moments but from the instant we fell pregnant with our eldest, it was pretty much a sure thing. As I did my research about educational theories and the legalities and realities of home educating in the UK I swung wildly between styles. Some days I saw the merit in following a carefully chosen curriculum and on others I was convinced that a completely autonomous unschooling lifestyle was the path for us. Ultimately (and probably predictably), as our daughter approached mandatory school age we settled comfortably somewhere in between the two.

There are times when we all want to wave goodbye to the squalling kids and nagging partner and jump aboard a six week cruise to the Maldives. For years and years, my partner and I wanted children, and yet there are still times now – when our dreams have come true – that I find myself forgetting how lucky I am to have a beautiful family and be surrounded by love. One way to get more love in our lives is to give more love out. Here are 20 ways to make space for love in your family’s life...

There’s no shame in sometimes feeling overwhelmed with the demands of parenthood. It can feel as if overnight your life has been taken over by responsibility and in the endless tending to the needs of others, your own needs fall pretty far down the list. It’s what you do when the feeling strikes that counts. Are you a boiler: bubbling over with stress and anger before you finally explode? Or maybe a sulker: retreating into your own resentment and frustration until you’ve cut off those close to you?

I often get asked how I can do so much while having six kids. My short answer, and all you really need to know, is my wife Eva is awesome. I couldn’t do half what I do without her. If you want parenting advice, you’d be smart to ask her. Here I’ll share some things that we both do that make our jobs as parents easier. These are Very Important Rules that must never be broken by any Serious Parent … until, of course, you want to break them. The first rule of Rules of Effortless Parenting is that you should always break rules.

We asked you what you thought of the latest issue of The Green Parent magazine and here are some of the things that you shared. You love the fact that it's about real life and that it reminds you that parenting is not about competing. You love the reminder to slow down and be present for a more fulfilling and fun life. You found the articles inspiring and informative particularly the feature on starting your own craft business and raising free range children. And it helped you strive for your dreams and seek out adventures!