My little boy Kian aka Evil Kenevil currently has no road safety awareness, in fact it’s fair to say he has even less than our dog Baloo which is saying something. As August is National Road Victim Awareness month, I was staggered by the facts that some 30 million people have been killed on the world’s roads since 1896 when records began, and every year sees a further 1.2 million killed and 30 million injured! Those statistics are enough to shock anyone into reinforcing road safety to their children.

Yes, I know, pretty serious stuff but it’s one of the things that I think, as parents, we worry about the most. How many times have you drilled into your kids “Stop, look left, look right, look left again and go”? I still remember the little hedgehogs in the road safety advert a few years ago.

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Primary school kids are back at school this week (although most high schools have only one week off at the Whit half term, the younger ones seem have two).

Not that this will make much differences to most mums I’ll bet. Ok, maybe they don’t have to think about how to keep little folk entertained every day but most of us still have hectic days whether the children are at school or at home.

My own little boy isn’t school age yet, so life’s just as busy for me either way, while a lot of people with jobs still have to juggle the home and worklife just the same, school holidays or not. (more…)

Anyone with sons or daughters in their mid teens will know what time of year it is. Yep, it’s exam time.

And it’s not just concentration levels that are rising. Stress levels are on the up too – for everyone, not just those doing the exam themselves!

As a mum it’s hard to know what to do. Offer advice and it gets treated with contempt. Keep quiet and you’re accused of not showing an interest. Sound familiar?

Apparently there are a few common dos and don’ts for people studying for exams, so if you want to help your kids get through this tough time then maybe you could suggest some of these. (Thanks v. much to the Govteen forum for all this helpful advice!).

Do something you enjoy. Take a break, have something to eat, watch TV, phone a friend, go shopping and grab a bargain, whatever perks you up.
Have a bath. Studies show that being around water at a stressful time is very relaxing.
Ban coffee! Caffeine doesn’t just heighten energy levels, it disrupts your mind and stresses you out. Avoid!
Work efficiently. Organise yourself so that there is minimal clutter to distract you and make a planner. It keeps you focused and makes you feel in control and on top of things.
Get a good night’s sleep. The right food can make a difference. Apparently the following are all ‘super sleep’ foods: Almonds, soya beans, carrots, baked potato, brown rice, roast beef, skimmed milk, plain yoghurt, skinless chicken and turkey. Something for everyone there I think!