Debenhams Back to School competition: Oliver's entry.

 

This is an entry into The Debenhams Back to School Competition on www.brummymummyof2.co.uk

Right, so Oliver is only 18months old so this was always going to be fun. I decided to get up the Debenhams website on the laptop and he could point to which ones he liked. We could have ended up with something quite flamboyant but I think in the end we did quite well.

So first pick was Designer blue belted chinos by J by Jasper Conran. 

Next up was gingham polo again by J by Jasper Conran. 

The shoes picked were Bluezoo two tab trainers. 

Then finally for when winter sets in a navy duffle coat. Once again from J by Jasper Conran( I think he likes this range) 

Looking forward to having a browse at some of the other entries. 

Ten top tips for holidaying with toddlers.

We recently had a UK break. Here are some tips that may help if you are going on one.  

1. There is no such thing as too many toys. Don't think you'll be too busy to play with that toy or they won't want that one. They will, just take it, save tantrum time now. 

2. Don't rush. Just like everyday toddlers, holiday toddlers do not like to be rushed. Yes, they need to inspect EVERYTHING new you walk past and yes there will be tantrums if you rush them. 

3. Swimming. Many parents are not a fan of taking small people swimming. It's raining, they are climbing the walls. Embrace the swimming, ignore the 300 other chimdren in the pool. Swimming is your friend. 

4. Beach. Beaches are fab. If the weather suits, it's lots of open space for running and playing. They don't cost anything which is a massive bonus. 

5. Have rainy day activities planned just incase. You can rely on the uk weather. 

6. Grandparents. We were fortunate (?) to go with my in laws. Take advantage of them. They love spending time with their grandchildren. Sit back, put your feet up and have a glass of pimms. 

7. Car= sleep. Not always. He'll sleep in the car. Yeah, totally didn't. All the way to Somerset. Be prepared for that. Don't assume. 

8. Don't stop. We thought we'd have a leisurely drive down. Stop and have breaks. Don't just don't. Getting him back in the cat seat sounded like he was in serious pain. It really wasn't worth it. 

9. Bed time. Routine I hear you cry. Yeah that just flew out the window. Don't force it. Go with the flow. They've got to sleep eventually. 

10. Relax and enjoy. Don't get stressed just go with it and remember it's your holiday too! 

Contray to what this may portray we had a really good time, UK holidays are very must underrated. 

Wicked Wednesday.

Nice family holiday selfie. 

Wicked Wednesdays

Such beautiful creatures 

There's no such thing as a Gruffalo.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of The Gruffalo. So to celebrate the forestry commission is hosting the Gruffalo Trail. 

Up and down the country different venues are playing host to the gurffalo. There is a signposted trail around the forest, with well know gruffalo characters on the way to finding the gruffalo. 

So we decided to go along to the one at the Wyre Forest in Kidderminster. 

You have the opportunity to buy a trail pack for £2. This includes a sticker, a colouring sheet and an activity sheet. 

You don't need this to do the trail but it's a nice added touch for older children. 

So off we went. 

There a signs like the one above all the way round. They all have activities on them to engage children with the forest and the story.  

You also have signs like the one below to show you where to go, so don't worry about getting lost!! 

The aim is to find all the characters from the book. Like the ones below. 

We also found some wigwams along the way which my lad loved. 

And then eventually you will find the Gruffalo!! 

It was a lovely day out. We took a picnic with us and made an afternoon of if. I imagine older children will engage more with the activities. Where as my boy just enjoyed running around the forest and finding the animals. 

To find your nearest trail visit: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/gruffalo

Toddler tantrums.

Last week I was shopping with my little one and he decided to have the mother of all tantrums because I dared to ask him to hold my hand and not to run off- I know, right, evil mother, what was I thinking.
It was a gale force 10. We had shouting, screaming, crying and then finally sitting on the floor and refusing to move.
The feeling of eyes glaring at me accompanied with various sounds of tutting, I wanted the ground to swallow me up, I was horrified. But then it occurred to me my child is just trying to express himself in the only way he currently knows.
 Young child have trouble expressing themselves. Imagine if you couldn’t explain to someone how you were feeling, or what you wanted. You would probably end up having a tantrum.  
The fact that then other people around, in this case other parents or expectant parents, (I was in Kiddicare) feel the need to judge is just unnecessary and they really have no right.  As parents we need support, you know the look some parents give you, the “I’ve been there look.” Not to feel like we are raising a monster or are socially inept.
My little one is getting better with his words (only 18 months old so not expecting miracles) and one day he will be able to express himself without screaming and shouting , but until then I just hope people will be more understanding when a child is having a meltdown, it is just part of growing up. 

Have you ever had a similar experience?
Toddler had a meltdown in middle of a public place? 

An open letter

Dear readers,

Recently a lot of bloggers have been on the receiving end of nasty and vindictive comments regarding their recent posts.

It’s really really unkind and unnecessary.

When reading our blogs there are a few pointers that may help you to stop being so nasty:

1. 9/10 we are not being serious.

2.Many of the things we say (moan about) are highlighting day to day occurrences of raising children etc, they are meant to be funny.

3.If you think we are being nasty, don’t be a troll and leave a horrid comment. Just keep to yourself or tell a friend. We don’t write to provoke; we write to entertain, inform and for enjoyment. Don’t take that away from us.

4. Just in case you haven’t fully understood points 1-3 :  WE ARE TRYING TO FUNNY/IRONIC.

5. And lastly, no one is forcing you to read these posts. If you don’t like it don’t read it. And if all else fails and you want to be a troll go and join the fellow trolls on the Daily Mail website.

Thanks in advance

x