Parenting

Is it time to try an online school?

With many children struggling to study at home and doubts over September start dates, specialist ‘virtual’ schools are gaining huge traction - but what do they offer that’s different?
Parent ‘Lockdown learning’ survey – the results

Earlier this month we commissioned our own comprehensive survey amongst Muddy readers into Lockdown Learning – and we’ve been blown away by the response! Thank you to the 1200 of you who expressed how you felt about virtual-schooling, the difficulties you and your children were facing, as well as revealing surprise success stories and offering […]
Kids driving you nuts? Try these parenting books

And we all thought parenting was hard BEFORE lockdown. Jeez! We've got five brilliant new books that promise to help.
To school or not to school?

It's the dilemma that's dividing the nation - is it safe to send our children back to school on Monday? Two Muddy editors, one pro and one against, explain why they've made their personal decision.
Living with teens in lockdown – eek!

Here are 20 things to do that might encourage your teenagers to get out of bed by midday – or at the very least by least by nightfall (fingers crossed).
How to keep your kids learning in lockdown

It’s tricky enough for adults to stay motivated within their four walls, but for children it’s even tougher. So how do you keep your kids positive, bright and ready to learn? Two top local schools offer some great advice.
5 things I’ve learned about motherhood

Acclaimed author (and Muddy favourite) Clover Stroud is in the midst of raising her 5 children. Miraculously she's found time to write a book about it all. Here's a taster.
J’adore/ J’abhor

Parlez-vous teen slang? The language barrier has always been a problem when it comes to parent/child communications. Do you find the way your little darlings speak totally basic or, like, lit?
Struggling with a moody teen?

Lie's in, lemons and focussing on the glass half full will tap into the teen brain and help them feel happier, according to Queen Anne's head Julia Harrington.
Tool up for exam success

If your teen's stress levels are entering the red zone, Esther of Gym For The Mind has some top tips to prevent a meltdown of epic proportions.
Raising a girl boss

Think you're raising your daughter to be a strong leader? Muddy chats to Highfield Prep head Joanne Leach about what it really means to embrace girl power.
7 ways to ace early years parenting

It's all about developing 'soft' life skills through play, according to St Joseph's College's Mark Bushby and Gemma Davies. Which means stand down all you tiger mums!