December 2017 - Real Parent

My Children’s Top 5 Favourite Christmas Books

Christmas, Reading

My Children’s Top 5 Favourite Christmas Books

I love reading Christmas books in the run up to Christmas. It’s the best way to get the children excited about the season, and to […]

A Magical Morning With Santa, Courtesy Of Wyevale Andover

Activities, Christmas

A Magical Morning With Santa, Courtesy Of Wyevale Andover

A few months back now, Wyevale Garden Centre in Andover invited Fin (5) & Indi (1) to spend a morning meeting Santa in his magical […]

How To Make Leaving The House With A Baby Much Less StressfulAugust 25, 2026
Before having a baby, leaving the house can be as simple as grabbing your keys, phone and coat. Afterwards, even a quick trip to the… Read more: How To Make Leaving The House With A Baby Much Less Stressful
Dental implants as a parent with dental anxiety – my honest story & what helpedAugust 18, 2026
I’m going to be honest: I didn’t glide into the idea of dental implants feeling calm, organised, and brave. I’m a parent. My brain is… Read more: Dental implants as a parent with dental anxiety – my honest story & what helped
Free (and free-ish) things to do in the summer holidays (that work with a big age gap)August 17, 2026
If you’re in the final stretch of the summer holidays and you’re feeling a weird mix of “I want to soak this up” and “I… Read more: Free (and free-ish) things to do in the summer holidays (that work with a big age gap)
The Hard Truths of Homeschooling an auADHD TeenAugust 13, 2026
Homeschooling a teen is a lot. Homeschooling a teen with auADHD (autism + ADHD) can feel like you’re running a small country with no staff,… Read more: The Hard Truths of Homeschooling an auADHD Teen
7 Unforgettable Milestone Trips for FamiliesAugust 6, 2026
Some moments deserve more than a quick meal out and a few photos. The kind of moments when you look around and think, “We should… Read more: 7 Unforgettable Milestone Trips for Families
How to Plan The Perfect Family-Friendly WeddingJuly 30, 2026
Planning a wedding when you’ve got children in the mix (whether they’re yours, nieces and nephews, or a whole gaggle of friends’ kids) doesn’t have… Read more: How to Plan The Perfect Family-Friendly Wedding
Screen Time Rules That Save Everyone’s Eyes (and Sanity)July 30, 2026
Screens are part of daily life for most families now. Kids use tablets for homework, parents work from laptops, and everyone winds down with a… Read more: Screen Time Rules That Save Everyone’s Eyes (and Sanity)
100 Things To Do When Kids Are Bored This Summer HolidaysJuly 27, 2026
The summer holidays are brilliant… until you hear “I’m boooored!” for the tenth time before breakfast. If you’re running out of ideas (and patience), here… Read more: 100 Things To Do When Kids Are Bored This Summer Holidays
Advocating for a Child with a Disability – School Support and BenefitsJuly 10, 2026
Parenting is hard enough without having to become a part-time caseworker, form-filler, and legal researcher. If your child is disabled (or you strongly suspect they… Read more: Advocating for a Child with a Disability – School Support and Benefits
How to Create a Montessori-Inspired Nursery (Without Going Overboard)June 27, 2026
Designing a nursery is one of the loveliest parts of getting ready for a new baby. It’s also one of those things that can spiral… Read more: How to Create a Montessori-Inspired Nursery (Without Going Overboard)
What I Always Check Before a Road Trip With My Parents (Now They’re in Their 70s)June 8, 2026
Road trips with elderly parents or grandparents can be genuinely lovely. More chats, more nostalgia, and usually a few “oh, I haven’t been there in… Read more: What I Always Check Before a Road Trip With My Parents (Now They’re in Their 70s)
Best Things to Do with Your Dog Near Pet-Friendly Holiday Cottages in the CotswoldsJune 3, 2026
The Cotswolds are one of the UK’s most beautiful destinations for a countryside escape, and it’s even better when your four-legged friend can come along… Read more: Best Things to Do with Your Dog Near Pet-Friendly Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds
What Uni Is Really Like (From Someone Who Loved It)June 1, 2026
When people imagine university, they often think about libraries, exams, deadlines and lecture theatres. While academics are obviously very central to the experience, a lot… Read more: What Uni Is Really Like (From Someone Who Loved It)
What Sports Are On This Summer? UK TV Guide + Where to WatchMay 29, 2026
If you’re anything like me, summer sport has a habit of sneaking up on you. One minute, it’s we should watch that, and the next,… Read more: What Sports Are On This Summer? UK TV Guide + Where to Watch
How to Host an Epic Summer of Sports Watch PartyMay 28, 2026
I love the idea of a watch party. Especially as there are SO MANY sports events being televised this summer. However, I do not love… Read more: How to Host an Epic Summer of Sports Watch Party

David on What I Keep in the Car Now After Breaking Down on the School RunJune 11, 2026
Breaking down during the school run is something every driver hopes to avoid, but it’s a great reminder to stay…
Lucy Clarke on The Best School Shoes For Active KidsMay 27, 2026
I feel you, Angela! My eldest is scooting mad and spends his days at the skate park. We have found…
Lucy Clarke on Moji & Mila Monkey Book Review (+ Free Monkey Maze Printable)May 26, 2026
Hi Sarah Ann H! Thank you for leaving a comment - we're excited for the upcoming books :) Thanks again…
Sarah Ann H on Moji & Mila Monkey Book Review (+ Free Monkey Maze Printable)May 26, 2026
I big thank you to Beau for his very well considered review :-) So glad he enjoyed the books and…
Angela on The Best School Shoes For Active KidsMay 21, 2026
Great post, so relatable thank you! I have three football mad boys destroying shoes regularly! Our problem is that they…
Amanda on The McDonald’s Cards have me in a chokehold (and I am not even hungry)April 9, 2026
Yes I've just started, late to the game and very addictive have 9/24 so long way to go