So your first child is starting school. You're already a mixed bag of hormones and emotions and you have so many unanswered questions. You're crying cause you're eldest baby has grown up, what if they don't like it? What if they don't settle in? Did i get the right lunchbox? What if everyone else is having dinners?
After you've sent yourself into a frenzy, the anxiety about yourself as a mother kicks in. You realise you're nervous about your first school gate encounter. You've heard all about the various mums at the school gate, the gym mums, the helicopter mums, the mean girls, the always late mums, the practically perfect in every way mums and let's not forget the rumours and horror stories you've heard about those PTA dictator mums. Admit it, you thought PTA was code for parents to avoid.
The PTA mums are usually the stay at home, stepford wife type who look preened from head to toe and are holier than thou. They are attention seekers, full of themselves, over achievers, self righteous know it alls who can't do anything wrong. They wear a smug, I can and I will look on their faces and they certainly see you as the no good slummy mummy who is less of a mum than they are because you won't 'volunteer' your precious time for the good of the school. They drive 4x4's, they wear heals and they will quash you with their clipboards faster than you can run away from them at the school gate.
Image from Flickr by Athena LeTrelle https://www.flickr.com/photos/blacksnob/2423556199
You've heard all about their cake and coffee mornings. The pristine tablecloths, the Cath Kidston style napkins, the doily's and let's not forget about the perfectly baked cakes. Why would you want to offer your shoddy cake baking services when you have to compete with those pinterest crazy, Martha Stewart whipped, Mary Berry impersonating PTA dictator mums. You do not fit in that cliquey. Maybe you could buy your cake from the shop but if they find out they weren't homemade you will be made an example of. They will stand around you in a circle and hurl abuse at you and chant you are not worthy.
You've heard all about the meetings. The make up of the committee is like every family and army in Game of Thrones. Everyone wanting to get into power and everyone trying to take control. Make one wrong move or one stupid suggestion and you will face the axe. Anyway why would you even want to attend a meeting. You finally get an hour away from your kids so why on earth would you use that alone time to spend discussing kids and getting involved in school politics. Those type of politics that have you wondering whether you're 4 years old again in the preschool playground or defending yourself from the bullying 'mean girls' at high school.
Now you've heard the rumours, let me tell you the ugly truth about the PTA mums. Spoiler alert....the PTA mums are normal, regular, mums just like everyone else. I know it's hard to believe but they are.
I can assure you they are not what they are portrayed to be. Despite contrary belief, lots of them have jobs, they do want to join up for the good of the school, they do want to join to make friends and they want to join as they take pride in bringing a smile to their children's faces. I know this doesn't fit the PTA dictator stories but honestly they are just as down to earth as you are. The PTA is not a cult. You will not change if you join. You do not have to conform you can be yourself.
As a working mum, I joined the PTA to help feel involved in my daughter's school. I knew I wasn't on the school run everyday so I wanted to take an interest in what she does in other ways. She loves the fact that mummy helps organise events and when she comes back from a disco or a fair and tells me how much fun she had, I know all the hard work is worth it. Even if it means staying up till 1am drinking a bottle of wine and being up to my eyeballs in shopping lists and timetables.
I also wanted to make some mum friends. I didn't know any mums at my daughter's school and seeing as we are there for quite a few years I wanted to get to know people. I've made some fantastic friends since joining up. Some of which I may never have met had I not made that leap when I nervously attended my first meeting.
If you've seen the film Bad moms, we are very much like Mila Kunis and her gang. We drink, we swear and guess what we actually have fun. Yes we work hard and yes it's tough but we are normal human beings. We are not robots.
Why not try lending a hand? Sure you'll probably be jumped on straight away and welcomed with open arms of desperation but you never know, you may actually make some friends for life.
Basically what i'm trying to say is spare a thought about your PTA mums before you judge them and declare them as self-centred, control freaks. They are not the arseholes they are made out to be.
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You may have read my recent blog post called, The Unconventional Guide to Flying Long Haul with Young Kids, (if you haven't pop over and read it, it's a good one). Many of you enjoyed it and therefore I have decided to turn it into a full blog series. I will be presenting you with my unconventional guides for all aspects of family travel such as hotel stays, the beach, camping, road trips etc.
Next up in the series is my Unconventional Guide to Packing a Suitcase with Young Kids. This in my opinion, is one of the most stressful parts of going on a family holiday. Read on for my tips. As always these are all very serious and sensible tips but told in the reality that actually occurs.
1) Buy a fancy new notepad to start making lists
Before you go anywhere start making lists. Lists of things to buy, things you like and then packing lists by person. All these lists of course, require a fancy new notepad from somewhere like Paperchase.
You'll then find you can't keep up with your notepad so you'lI start making some visual lists to place on the fridge and also some on your phone. That should do it.
After making all these lists you'll realise that you've spent so much time writing said lists and making them pretty that you actually haven't managed to tick anything off. You'll hate yourself for how unproductive you've been when you thought you were such an organised person.
Before you go anywhere start making lists. Lists of things to buy, things you like and then packing lists by person. All these lists of course, require a fancy new notepad from somewhere like Paperchase.
You'll then find you can't keep up with your notepad so you'lI start making some visual lists to place on the fridge and also some on your phone. That should do it.
After making all these lists you'll realise that you've spent so much time writing said lists and making them pretty that you actually haven't managed to tick anything off. You'll hate yourself for how unproductive you've been when you thought you were such an organised person.
2) Play a game of Jenga with yourself for 3 weeks
If you've got the room in your house then I'd always recommend starting to compile separate piles of clothes for each person going on your trip. Depending on when you start this (if you're truly hardcore you'll probably start 3 weeks in advance) then your piles of clothes become exceptionally high. For the next few weeks you'll find yourself engaging in what can only be described as the worst game of Jenga you have ever played.
You'll add clothes to the pile, it becomes higher and higher. You realise you need something from the middle of the pile, you take it out and wham, you're at the bottom of a heap of swimwear, vests and various other clothing essentials. Whilst you're underneath the heap you start to sympathise with the various people you've squashed during an encounter of pile on in your childhood years. You start to realise how awful it is to be at the bottom.
Up you get and you start the whole process again. Time for the next round of Jenga, round 212.
3) Find someone muscular to wrestle with the suitcases
If you're like me then your suitcases are in the attic or placed somewhere ridiculous that you can't easily get to. Find yourself someone that resembles 'The Rock aka Dwayne Johnson' and send them up into the attic on your behalf.
If you've ever had to wrestle the suitcases out of attic you will know that finding someone else to do it should be top priority. Let them get the sweat on and enjoy watching them struggle and inevitably start swearing.
4) Pour yourself a glass of wine
Packing for an one adult is stressful enough, packing for everyone including young kids is the stuff of nightmares. You'll thank me later for the wine.
5) Use ulterior motives to keep the kids busy but productive
Make sure the kids have a suitcase of their own for the cabin section of the plane, something like a Trunki. You can then get them to pack their own hand luggage whilst you're packing the suitcase. This will be the most exciting task you've ever asked them to do.
This task has lots of benefits:
6) Keep receipts of new clothes
Remember all those fancy new outfits you bought for the kids? Well make sure you try them on. We went on holiday last year and absolutely nothing (not exaggerating here) fit our baby at all. All the new shorts, skirts. vests etc, all wasted and baby spent most of the holiday in her nappy. Parenting fail.
7) Find bigger suitcases
Whether you're aiming to take 1, 2, 4 etc suitcases, you will need more room. The little people in your life take up so much space. For such small people they certainly require a lot of stuff.
8) Make your suitcases pretty
There is nothing worse than standing around at baggage claim looking at what feels like 5001 black suitcases wondering which one's are yours. The kids wanna be on the move, you'll be sick of hearing are we there yet? Let's Go, I need the toilet, so make sure your suitcases are easily recognisable.
Either get some coloured suitcases or start decorating yours. This is another tip for keeping the kids excited and entertained. They will love adding ribbon etc to the cases.
9) Keep the important stuff up high
When you're packing the important bits like passports, tickets, insurance documents, basically anything you cannot go on holiday without, make sure they are out of arms reach. Actually, just make sure they are as high up and as far away as possible. If your kids are like mine then they do some fantastic Spiderman impressions. Literally jumping off the walls and climbing anything and everything in sight. If they know there is something very important in one of those bags, they will seek it out and believe me they will find it.
10) Learn to become an expert at shape sorting
You know those games you used to play when the kids were very little, the shape sorting ones, where you put various shapes into holes in a tub and then tip the tub back out and start again. Well packing suitcases with young kids is just like that, except the gigantic version that'll send you into fits of despair.
You mould everything into different shapes, you stick and stuff them into tiny spaces in the case, then you take them all back out and start again. This process will be repeated about 100 times.
11) Never ever leave the suitcases unattended
Unless you want your child to pull everything out of that neatly packed case, just like they do with their own wardrobes and drawers, then make sure the zips are fully closed and locks are on. If they can get in that treasure chest (that's clearly what they imagine the suitcase to be), they'll be in it and emptying it faster than they've ever done anything.
12) Take a break
Remember that glass of wine I was telling you about earlier. Step away from the case and pour yourself another. All that packing is exhausting. You need the rest.
13) Remember you are not going to the Amazon
Unless you're going on holiday to the Amazon rainforest or the Sahara desert just remember that things can actually be bought once you arrive. Don't stress when trying to cram 440 nappies and 20 packets of wet wipes into a suitcase, simply buy more when you are there.
14) Pack industrial stain remover
Remember all of those lovely new outfits we were referring to earlier? Unless you want them permanently etched in sun tan lotion, ice cream, poo, sick, tomato sauce and any other stain you can think of, make sure you pack a stain remover. It'll save you the bother of crying over a ruined £20 outfit from Next which they've only worn once.
15) You don't need it
A phrase which I need to embrace more. You're going away for 7 days so that means you each need 28 outfits, yes? Seriously we've all been there. We tend to overpack and over compensate. Our favourite phrases are 'just in case'. There's being cautious and there's being plain stupid. Say it with me 'YOU DON'T NEED IT'.
That's it from me. Enjoy your travels and happy packing.
If you've got the room in your house then I'd always recommend starting to compile separate piles of clothes for each person going on your trip. Depending on when you start this (if you're truly hardcore you'll probably start 3 weeks in advance) then your piles of clothes become exceptionally high. For the next few weeks you'll find yourself engaging in what can only be described as the worst game of Jenga you have ever played.
You'll add clothes to the pile, it becomes higher and higher. You realise you need something from the middle of the pile, you take it out and wham, you're at the bottom of a heap of swimwear, vests and various other clothing essentials. Whilst you're underneath the heap you start to sympathise with the various people you've squashed during an encounter of pile on in your childhood years. You start to realise how awful it is to be at the bottom.
Up you get and you start the whole process again. Time for the next round of Jenga, round 212.
3) Find someone muscular to wrestle with the suitcases
If you're like me then your suitcases are in the attic or placed somewhere ridiculous that you can't easily get to. Find yourself someone that resembles 'The Rock aka Dwayne Johnson' and send them up into the attic on your behalf.
If you've ever had to wrestle the suitcases out of attic you will know that finding someone else to do it should be top priority. Let them get the sweat on and enjoy watching them struggle and inevitably start swearing.
4) Pour yourself a glass of wine
Packing for an one adult is stressful enough, packing for everyone including young kids is the stuff of nightmares. You'll thank me later for the wine.
5) Use ulterior motives to keep the kids busy but productive
Make sure the kids have a suitcase of their own for the cabin section of the plane, something like a Trunki. You can then get them to pack their own hand luggage whilst you're packing the suitcase. This will be the most exciting task you've ever asked them to do.
This task has lots of benefits:
- It keeps them busy and entertained whilst you're concentrating. Winner!!
- It saves you a job later on. Winner!!
- They've packed what they want to take so they can't get upset when they've not got something. Just remember they packed it not you. Winner!!
- They become very attached to their case and will remain responsible for it throughout the holiday meaning you won't have to carry it. Double Winner!!
6) Keep receipts of new clothes
Remember all those fancy new outfits you bought for the kids? Well make sure you try them on. We went on holiday last year and absolutely nothing (not exaggerating here) fit our baby at all. All the new shorts, skirts. vests etc, all wasted and baby spent most of the holiday in her nappy. Parenting fail.
7) Find bigger suitcases
Whether you're aiming to take 1, 2, 4 etc suitcases, you will need more room. The little people in your life take up so much space. For such small people they certainly require a lot of stuff.
8) Make your suitcases pretty
There is nothing worse than standing around at baggage claim looking at what feels like 5001 black suitcases wondering which one's are yours. The kids wanna be on the move, you'll be sick of hearing are we there yet? Let's Go, I need the toilet, so make sure your suitcases are easily recognisable.
Either get some coloured suitcases or start decorating yours. This is another tip for keeping the kids excited and entertained. They will love adding ribbon etc to the cases.
9) Keep the important stuff up high
When you're packing the important bits like passports, tickets, insurance documents, basically anything you cannot go on holiday without, make sure they are out of arms reach. Actually, just make sure they are as high up and as far away as possible. If your kids are like mine then they do some fantastic Spiderman impressions. Literally jumping off the walls and climbing anything and everything in sight. If they know there is something very important in one of those bags, they will seek it out and believe me they will find it.
10) Learn to become an expert at shape sorting
You know those games you used to play when the kids were very little, the shape sorting ones, where you put various shapes into holes in a tub and then tip the tub back out and start again. Well packing suitcases with young kids is just like that, except the gigantic version that'll send you into fits of despair.
You mould everything into different shapes, you stick and stuff them into tiny spaces in the case, then you take them all back out and start again. This process will be repeated about 100 times.
11) Never ever leave the suitcases unattended
Unless you want your child to pull everything out of that neatly packed case, just like they do with their own wardrobes and drawers, then make sure the zips are fully closed and locks are on. If they can get in that treasure chest (that's clearly what they imagine the suitcase to be), they'll be in it and emptying it faster than they've ever done anything.
12) Take a break
Remember that glass of wine I was telling you about earlier. Step away from the case and pour yourself another. All that packing is exhausting. You need the rest.
13) Remember you are not going to the Amazon
Unless you're going on holiday to the Amazon rainforest or the Sahara desert just remember that things can actually be bought once you arrive. Don't stress when trying to cram 440 nappies and 20 packets of wet wipes into a suitcase, simply buy more when you are there.
14) Pack industrial stain remover
Remember all of those lovely new outfits we were referring to earlier? Unless you want them permanently etched in sun tan lotion, ice cream, poo, sick, tomato sauce and any other stain you can think of, make sure you pack a stain remover. It'll save you the bother of crying over a ruined £20 outfit from Next which they've only worn once.
15) You don't need it
A phrase which I need to embrace more. You're going away for 7 days so that means you each need 28 outfits, yes? Seriously we've all been there. We tend to overpack and over compensate. Our favourite phrases are 'just in case'. There's being cautious and there's being plain stupid. Say it with me 'YOU DON'T NEED IT'.
That's it from me. Enjoy your travels and happy packing.
Diono recently launched their brand new multi-mode pushchair, Quantum Travel System and I was kindly invited along to the event. It was held at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge last month. I haven't used any of their products before but I have heard amazing things about their Radian Car Seat so I was very keen to see what features they had put onto a travel system.
The event itself was great. I got to catch up with some other bloggers, Hannah from Budding Smiles, Lucy from Mrs H's Favourite Things and Al from The Dad Network. There was food, drink and DJ Sara Cox on the decks. The atmosphere was lovely.
The Quantum Travel System looks fantastic. Its stylish and modern in design and perfect for both mums and dads. I say this because I have a very bright, vibrant, patterned stroller which my husband hates using but I know he would be more than happy to be seen pushing this one. It is available in black, navy, teal and red. I really liked the navy.
The first thing I noticed is all the clever design features. It's clear that Diono has engineered the Quantum to ensure that it makes the parent's life easier and that baby's ride will be safe and comfortable.
The feature that I was blown away by was the brake. It is easily the best brake I have ever seen on a pushchair. Laugh all you like at me but this honestly was a revelation. It is a very simple one step brake which is easily located in the middle of the bar. Finally a brand have listened to all our grumblings. No more stubbed toes and scuffed shoes.
A massive thumbs up is given to the convertible 3 in 1 smart seat. I've never seen anything like it. The carriage is able to be transformed into a toddler seat with clips and therefore you don't have to have 2 different seats like other strollers. This is such a space saver and a genius idea in my opinion.
Another feature which is perfect for us as a travel loving family is the extra large eclipse hood. In sunnier weather we often struggle to find a hood that shields the sun away from all areas of Ophelia's body. It also has a sun visor, peekaboo panel and a ventilation panel making it ideal for all the elements.
There are numerous other designs that made the stroller fab such as the extra large basket, one hand easy fold, parent facing option, 6 position handle bars and the list continues.
There was a small test track set up so that we could really put the Quantum to the test. It had various terrains along the track to put the stroller through its paces. The test track actually reminded me of my school run journey. I encounter curbs, rough pavements and grass. The Quantum was easy to manoeuvre and incredibly lightweight.
My first impressions are wonderful. I was very impressed with the stroller. It's really been designed with parents in mind making it adventure ready. It would certainly make any journey enjoyable and stress free. I would love to give it a full test as it seems perfect for our outgoing, travel loving, adventure craving family. For £500 I think it is fantastic value for money and very competitive against the rest of the market.
*Thanks to Diono for inviting me to the launch. I was not paid to attend however, my expenses were covered. All opinions are my own*
The event itself was great. I got to catch up with some other bloggers, Hannah from Budding Smiles, Lucy from Mrs H's Favourite Things and Al from The Dad Network. There was food, drink and DJ Sara Cox on the decks. The atmosphere was lovely.
The Quantum Travel System looks fantastic. Its stylish and modern in design and perfect for both mums and dads. I say this because I have a very bright, vibrant, patterned stroller which my husband hates using but I know he would be more than happy to be seen pushing this one. It is available in black, navy, teal and red. I really liked the navy.
The first thing I noticed is all the clever design features. It's clear that Diono has engineered the Quantum to ensure that it makes the parent's life easier and that baby's ride will be safe and comfortable.
The feature that I was blown away by was the brake. It is easily the best brake I have ever seen on a pushchair. Laugh all you like at me but this honestly was a revelation. It is a very simple one step brake which is easily located in the middle of the bar. Finally a brand have listened to all our grumblings. No more stubbed toes and scuffed shoes.
A massive thumbs up is given to the convertible 3 in 1 smart seat. I've never seen anything like it. The carriage is able to be transformed into a toddler seat with clips and therefore you don't have to have 2 different seats like other strollers. This is such a space saver and a genius idea in my opinion.
Another feature which is perfect for us as a travel loving family is the extra large eclipse hood. In sunnier weather we often struggle to find a hood that shields the sun away from all areas of Ophelia's body. It also has a sun visor, peekaboo panel and a ventilation panel making it ideal for all the elements.
There are numerous other designs that made the stroller fab such as the extra large basket, one hand easy fold, parent facing option, 6 position handle bars and the list continues.
There was a small test track set up so that we could really put the Quantum to the test. It had various terrains along the track to put the stroller through its paces. The test track actually reminded me of my school run journey. I encounter curbs, rough pavements and grass. The Quantum was easy to manoeuvre and incredibly lightweight.
My first impressions are wonderful. I was very impressed with the stroller. It's really been designed with parents in mind making it adventure ready. It would certainly make any journey enjoyable and stress free. I would love to give it a full test as it seems perfect for our outgoing, travel loving, adventure craving family. For £500 I think it is fantastic value for money and very competitive against the rest of the market.
*Thanks to Diono for inviting me to the launch. I was not paid to attend however, my expenses were covered. All opinions are my own*
Recently i've had a few lapses with my postnatal depression and therefore I am trying my hardest to focus on some mindfulness techniques. As you know I love Disney. I like to read Disney quotes to help me reflect and put a smile on my face.
Incase you missed them you can read my older posts in the series my clicking the following links, Winnie the Pooh and Beauty and the Beast.
Next up in my series is Moana. Moana has some truly inspiring quotes and lyrics which are great for reflection.
2) Know your purpose
3) You will do great things, but first you must learn who you are meant to be
4) Scars can heal and reveal just where you are
5) The gods aren't the ones who make you Maui, you are
6) They have stolen the heart from inside you. This is not who you are. You know who you are
7) There is nowhere you could go that I won't be with you
8) Come what May, I know the Way
9) There comes a day, when you're gonna look around, and realise happiness is, where you are
10) But this does not define you
11) I can make us strong
12) And when we look to the future, there you are
13) What's beyond that line? Will I cross that line
14) You can be a hero
15) One day i'll know, How far i'll go
Incase you missed them you can read my older posts in the series my clicking the following links, Winnie the Pooh and Beauty and the Beast.
Image from Flickr via http://www.bagogames.com/best-moana-movie-based-games/
1) Fear holds you back
2) Know your purpose
3) You will do great things, but first you must learn who you are meant to be
4) Scars can heal and reveal just where you are
5) The gods aren't the ones who make you Maui, you are
6) They have stolen the heart from inside you. This is not who you are. You know who you are
7) There is nowhere you could go that I won't be with you
8) Come what May, I know the Way
Image from Melissa Hillier on www.flickr.com
9) There comes a day, when you're gonna look around, and realise happiness is, where you are
10) But this does not define you
11) I can make us strong
12) And when we look to the future, there you are
13) What's beyond that line? Will I cross that line
14) You can be a hero
15) One day i'll know, How far i'll go
Eva and Ophelia are both fans of the TV series Chuggington so they were delighted to be asked to review a brand new toy range which has recently launched. Unfortunately they arrived whilst we were on holiday so we had to eat a while to receive them and collect them.
The new collection features 24 little chuggers and ConnecTrax pack. They come in a sealable carry bag which is great for storing them in. They are suitable for ages 2 years and up but as you can imagine, Ophelia who is 19 months old, is also having fun with the set with her older sister.
What makes these toys extra special and unique is that they are actually compatible with most other pre-school systems which is perfect for us as we have many other tracks and trains. I think this is such a fab feature as we can connect them together for extended fun and games.
The trains themselves are made our of rubber, except the wheels which are plastic. This makes them feel nice and soft for small hands and means they are easy to grip unlike the other die cast ones we have at home. This also means they are lightweight which is ideal for taking out and about with us on adventures. They are great entertainment for if we are going out for a meal or away for the weekend.
Eva found the tracks easy to put together. They don't have a magnetic join, they simply slot together by links. Finally a track she can build by herself.
Overall, we think they are a great set for preschoolers. I do think Eva will outgrow them quickly but Ophelia will be able to enjoy them for quite a few years to come. They look exactly like they do on the tv show which is great, they are easy to hold and the tracks are simple to put together. Even though they are soft to hold, they are very sturdy and they are surviving lots of bashing about.
We would have liked to have seen a few more pieces of track in the set but as we have other tracks at home that wasn't an issue for us.
You can keep up to date with the latest Chuggington toy news over on twitter at @Jazwares and @Chuggington.
*Thank you to Chuggington, Jazwares and Playtime PR for gifting us with these toys in exchange for our honest opinion*
The new collection features 24 little chuggers and ConnecTrax pack. They come in a sealable carry bag which is great for storing them in. They are suitable for ages 2 years and up but as you can imagine, Ophelia who is 19 months old, is also having fun with the set with her older sister.
What makes these toys extra special and unique is that they are actually compatible with most other pre-school systems which is perfect for us as we have many other tracks and trains. I think this is such a fab feature as we can connect them together for extended fun and games.
The trains themselves are made our of rubber, except the wheels which are plastic. This makes them feel nice and soft for small hands and means they are easy to grip unlike the other die cast ones we have at home. This also means they are lightweight which is ideal for taking out and about with us on adventures. They are great entertainment for if we are going out for a meal or away for the weekend.
Eva found the tracks easy to put together. They don't have a magnetic join, they simply slot together by links. Finally a track she can build by herself.
Overall, we think they are a great set for preschoolers. I do think Eva will outgrow them quickly but Ophelia will be able to enjoy them for quite a few years to come. They look exactly like they do on the tv show which is great, they are easy to hold and the tracks are simple to put together. Even though they are soft to hold, they are very sturdy and they are surviving lots of bashing about.
We would have liked to have seen a few more pieces of track in the set but as we have other tracks at home that wasn't an issue for us.
You can keep up to date with the latest Chuggington toy news over on twitter at @Jazwares and @Chuggington.
*Thank you to Chuggington, Jazwares and Playtime PR for gifting us with these toys in exchange for our honest opinion*
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