Eyfs articles
Simple ways to save on school costs
We all want to give our children the best in life, but with the cost of living rising it can seem impossible to pinch those pennies and pay for school materials at the same time. Uniforms, meals, trips and birthday parties – the list goes on. But who knows how to budget better than a primary-school parent? Check out our tried-and-tested budgeting tips from other parents.
Using story books to learn to read
Are Kipper, Chip and co the only fictional characters your child is reading about now that they're learning to read? Education writer Phoebe Doyle argues that every book's a reading book, and children's literature is as vital as reading scheme books when it comes to learning to read.
Threadworms: all your questions answered
It’s easy to feel horrified if your child gets threadworms, but don’t panic! They’re very common among kids – and easy to treat. Here are all your pressing questions answered.
No-sew Halloween costume ideas
No need for complicated patterns or topnotch sewing skills – get ready for Halloween with these easy costume ideas. Ghosts, wizards, witches and more can be created in less than an hour and the kids can help, too. Emily Organ waves her wand and shows us how.
8 things you must do to lay the foundations of a great school year
Want to know how to get your child off to a flying start next term? Who better to ask than the experts! Wendy Golledge quizzed eight primary school teachers for their tips on preparing your child for the school year ahead.
Could your child be gifted?
Does your child excel in academic subjects, on the sports field or with a musical instrument? We take a look at how to tell if they are exceptionally able – or just bright.
'My 3-year-old knew all his times tables'
How does it feel to have an incredibly intelligent child? Tracy Lee Newman and her husband Neill, from Essex, first suspected their son Oliver might be exceptional when he was two.
What to expect from school if you have a more able child
Highly able children sometimes struggle to get the support they need from school. We explain what to expect and who to turn to for help.
What is enrichment?
Education is more than just mastering English and maths - it's also about activities that extend children's learning through new experiences and opportunities. We take a look at how enrichment benefits primary school kids.
Gifted and talented: your questions answered
If you've been told your child is highly able, you'll have lots of questions. We asked the experts to explain what to expect.
8 ways to support your gifted child
If you have an incredibly able child it can be tempting to let them just get on with it – or to go to the other extreme and constantly push them to achieve. We asked the experts how best to support a talented child.
Top tips for your family's ski holiday
Skiing holidays can take a great deal of organisation, especially if you are new to the slopes. But with our expert advice you can plough through the planning, leaving you more time to enjoy your family holiday.
Cruise holidays - what do they offer your family?
Ever thought about taking your family on a cruise holiday? We look at what could be in it for you and your children.
Why family games help positive behaviour
Traditional family games can help your child develop skills such as patience, respect, turn-taking, and being part of a team. So try these tips to make time for games in family life.
Celebrate Father's Day without breaking the bank
Thinking of a great present for your father or carer can be stressful – you want to buy the best gift you can find, but that can prove to be very expensive! Check out our fantastic suggestions for cheap, easy Father's Day gifts that are also special, unique and heart-warming.
How to manage your child's television time
Do you worry that television viewing could be having a damaging effect on your child? We take a look at children's TV consumption and how you can manage it in a positive way.
Teaching your child to swim
Learning to swim is fun – and great exercise for your child. Kath Stathers looks at the ways you can support their learning of this essential life skill.
The benefits of summer camps
In American movies 'summer camp' is a rite of passage. Could UK activity holidays prove to be just as popular? Providing some excellent and unusual learning opportunities, read on to find out how summer camps could benefit your child.
Cooking with kids: the educational benefits
Cooking with children has some great educational and health benefits, from practising maths skills to exploring different ingredients. We take a look at what your child could learn in the kitchen.
Creating a child-friendly garden
Whether you have an acre of land or a window box, it is possible to create a garden that will encourage your child to learn a whole host of different skills. We take a look at all that gardens have to offer, and give some great advice on how you can turn your child's fingers green.
What's so educational about model building?
You may think model building is a thing of the past, but in fact there are more exciting and diverse kits available than ever. And with so many educational benefits to them, there really is no better time to unplug the games console and give it a try.
Summer activities for every age
Keeping the kids occupied over the summer holidays needn't cost an arm and a leg, or be all about plugging them into the latest video games. In fact there's absolutely heaps of fun and games to be had around the house and garden!
18 great (free) rainy day activities
This is Britain. Rainy days are par for the course, so read on for some great ideas of things to do when the heavens open. You won't need to spend a penny or venture outside at all!
Great learning activities at home and away
There are learning opportunities all around us, if we know where to look. Try these happy holiday activities to keep the kids entertained and learning this summer.
How to choose a great summer camp
From local council holiday schemes to residential activities, Moira Holden looks at different kinds of summer camps and childcare. Here's what you need to think about before you book a place for your child.
Stop summer brain drain
The holidays are stretching out before us, and whilst children gladly throw their schoolbags in a cupboard and declare themselves done with learning, you might not be quite so keen on the idea! Here are a few ideas to keep kids engaged and interested over the summer.
Back to school: your seven-day countdown
The summer’s almost over and in a week’s time, you’ll need to be up, dressed and out of the house by 8.30am – help! Lucy Dimbylow asked the most organised people on the planet – mums of school-age children – to create the ultimate to-do list for the last week of the holidays, with no last-minute panics in sight.
Top craft activities for children
Getting your children to be creative over holidays, weekends, and during after-school time is a great way to nurture their artistic flair and keep them occupied. Try these great activities to get kids crafting.
Teach your child to play outdoors
Past generations of children spent many happy hours enjoying the benefits of playing outdoors. But in recent years, concerns about safety have increased. So how do we encourage safer play outdoors?
Creating a space to play
Try working together with your child to design, create and build their ultimate play area with our top tips and practical advice.
How to make outdoor play safe
The sights and sounds of children playing together outdoors have waned over the years, but with them go many learning benefits. Try these tips to inspire safe play outdoors.
Summer childcare: children's activity holidays
Summer camps not only offer brilliant and unusual activities for the kids to enjoy, they can provide a break (or much-needed childcare!) for you as well. We take a look at the different camp options.
The importance of children's play
Play helps a child develop their creative abilities, and takes them into a fun, positive and imaginative world where anything is possible. We explore the benefits of play and offer top tips on how you can encourage all the family to join in.
What supervised indoor play offers your child
Children's play is not only a great learning experience, it also can affect their approach to physical exercise and activities in years to come. We take a look at what play centres could offer your child.
Screen time rules
What do children really think about the amount of time they spend playing computer games? And how can you establish appropriate screen time so your child benefits from technology and all it has to offer? Denise Roberts finds out.
Help your child to learn social skills
Social skills are as important to a developing child as they are to a fully grown adult. Support your child’s social development with these practical tips.
How to encourage independence in children
It can be hard to strike the balance between encouraging your children to be independent and at the same time offering them your advice and support. Penny Palmano takes a look at the how to walk the line.
Tips for raising a positive child
Follow our expert advice and practical tips to nip negativity in the bud and allow positivity to flourish.
How to avoid losing it with your children
As parents we do not have an inexhaustible supply of energy and enthusiasm, so if the patience is running thin, fear not, help is at hand!
Relaxation techniques for parents
Finding time to relax when you’re a parent is hard work but taking time out will make you feel calmer and boost your parenting confidence, too.