Have some quality time

Your children won’t care about everything being the biggest and the best, they just appreciate having some time with you! Typical New Year’s Eve activities may also prove to be overstimulating for them.

Keep it simple and I’m sure everyone will have a great time!

Here are some ideas for a low-key celebration:

· Host a party dinner – put on your favourite clothes and have a picky tea filled with everyone’s favourite foods.

· Watch a feel-good film – find a film that you’ll all enjoy and get some snacks.

· Make a non-alcoholic cocktail – your children can’t drink alcohol but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to celebrate with a fun drink! Make a non-alcoholic cocktail for you and the kids to both enjoy.

· Have a games night – play some classic party games on the countdown to New Year- there are some great board games out around this time of year.

Stick to your routine

You can still celebrate New Year’s Eve with children without changing the time that your little ones go to bed. Bring forward the New Year’s celebrations a few hours if you have young children so that they keep to their sleep pattern. Stick to your usual bedtime routine (brushing teeth, reading a story, etc.), as these soothing rituals might help them calm down.

Read: Should you let your kids stay up on New Year’s Eve?

Feel free to carry on the celebrations by yourselves once they’re safely tucked in. So long as the music isn’t turned up too loud, there’s no reason why you can’t have a great time and relax for the evening!

Look back to move forward

New Year’s is a time of reflection, so use it as an opportunity to highlight the best memories of the year gone by. You could even put together a slide show of photos from the year and watch them together, or ask everyone their favourite memory and reminisce!

Ask your children if they have any goals for the year ahead- it’s never too early to start. This helps your children to understand that you care about them and their goals. You can also help them to set realistic targets and explore how you can help them achieve them!

Don’t stress!

Any time spent with your family is special, and sometimes it’s hard just to make space for one another. So just relax and enjoy being together!

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

• 5 Healthy Habits to Adopt in the New Year
• How You Can Strengthen Family Relationships in the New Year
• Why it is Essential to Encourage a Growth Mindset in Your Children
• How to Build a Positive Parenting Connection

The post A handy guide to celebrating New Year’s Eve with children appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

Now that you have a family of your own, it makes sense that you would want to replicate this for your own children. After all, when they’re older, they will appreciate the work that you put into making this a truly special time of year.

If you’re looking for inspiration to do just that, here are five traditions you can start this time of year.

1. Create an advent tradition

Think of activities that you and your children can take part in every day on the run-up to Christmas. This can be practical tasks such as writing out your Christmas cards, or recreational activities such as making gingerbread houses or Christmas decorations.

2. Go for a Christmas walk

There are many families that go for a walk as part of their family Christmas tradition. Pick a day that suits you best, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day, and set out on a short walk. This is a great way to help your children discover the beauty of nature, and you can even help them to collect twigs and rocks that they can use for crafts once you get home!

3. Decorate the tree while listening to Christmas songs

Kids love getting involved with Christmas decorating, and everyone loves a sing-along! So throw on some Christmas tunes while decorating. Family Christmas traditions don’t need to be expensive or extra special – just involve your kids in the things you do each year, and they will have fond memories of the time you spent together.

4. Make homemade crackers for the Christmas table

Not only is this a great money-saving hack, but it’s also a more sustainable option than buying Christmas crackers from the supermarket. Many Christmas crackers contain foil, glitter or plastic, which means they can’t be recycled!

Find out how to make your own Christmas crackers here.

5. Take a holiday trip to the local library

Let your children pick out a festive book and read it with them during December. Most of these books focus on the theme of giving and can help your kids to appreciate the spirit of Christmas. If you don’t have access to a library nearby, have a look at second-hand websites or download an audiobook.

Read: What are the Best Christmas Stories to Read at Bedtime?

Family Christmas traditions can be anything that you want them to be. They don’t need to cost much money or even take a lot of time! Just do something together that you all enjoy, and it will be special.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• How Much Do Children Really Need From Santa? The Benefits of Having Less
• How to have more happiness with less this Christmas
• 18 Creative Gift Ideas to Save You Money at Christmas
• Why You Should Use Kindness Elves This Christmas (Instead of the Elf on The Shelf)

The post Five family Christmas traditions to start this year appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

The good news is that quality time with your children doesn’t have to be grand or complicated—it’s about making the most of the moments you have together. Here are some simple ways to connect with your kids and be more in the moment.

1. Be present

When we’re surrounded by notifications and screens, being fully present can feel like a challenge. So try your best to put away the phone, turn off the TV, and really engage with your children, and show them that they matter. Try setting aside specific times of the day, like during meals or bedtime routines, to be device-free. 

2. Create simple rituals and routines

Whether it’s reading a bedtime story, having a morning chat over breakfast, or a cosy Friday night movie together, these small routines help build a sense of connection and security. Not only that, but these little rituals will also become cherished moments that your child will remember long after they’ve grown up. They’re a simple yet effective way to make quality time with your children a regular part of your day.

3. Get active together

One of the best ways to spend quality time with your children is by getting active together. Go for a walk, play a sport, or even have a spontaneous dance party in the living room. Physical activities not only boost your mood and health but also provide a great opportunity to bond and have fun as a family.

4. Encourage play and creativity

Children learn and express themselves through play, so why not join in? Whether it’s building with LEGO, drawing, or engaging in imaginative games, let your child take the lead. This unstructured, creative time allows you to connect on their level and shows them that you value their interests.

5. Cook or bake together

Getting into the kitchen is another fantastic way to spend quality time with your children. Cooking or baking together is not only a fun activity but also a great opportunity to teach life skills, from measuring and mixing to patience and teamwork. Plus, there’s a tasty reward at the end! Whether you’re making a simple sandwich or baking cookies, the focus is on being together and enjoying each other’s company.

6. Have one-on-one time

If you have more than one child, it’s important to carve out individual time with each of them. One-on-one moments, whether it’s a special outing, a quiet chat before bed, or a quick trip to the park, allow you to connect more deeply.

7. Practice mindful parenting

Mindful parenting is about being aware, listening actively, and responding to your child with intention. It’s not about being perfect but about being present. Simple practices like taking a few deep breaths when you’re feeling overwhelmed or making gentle eye contact can help you stay connected during challenging moments.

8. Embrace the little moments

Remember, quality time with your children doesn’t always come from planned activities. Often, the most memorable moments are the little ones—cuddles on the sofa, a shared laugh over a silly joke, or simply sitting quietly together. Embrace these spontaneous moments and savour them.

Carve out quality time with your children

Spending quality time with your children isn’t about being perfect or doing everything right. It’s about being there, in the moment, creating small pockets of joy and connection. Whether it’s through simple routines, playful activities, or just being present, the time you spend together matters more than you might realise. So, take a breath, put away the distractions, and cherish these moments—they’re the ones that truly count.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• How to Create One-on-One Time With Each of Your Children
• Parent and child vision board- set goals for 2025 as a family
• How to build joy, connection, and calm into your daily family life
• Encouraging Independence in Children: Rewards and Daily Routines to Help Children Be confident

The post Ways to Spend Quality Time with Your Children: How to Be More in the Moment appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

In this article, we’ll explore how crafting a vision board with your child can strengthen family bonds, improve communication, and set a positive tone for the year ahead.

The importance of family goal-setting

Setting goals as a family is crucial for creating a shared vision that builds unity and a sense of purpose. When every member contributes to the family’s aspirations, it reinforces the idea that each person’s input is valued.

Not only that, but involving your children in this process leads to many benefits!

• It not only teaches them responsibility but also nurtures their ability to set and achieve personal goals.
• They learn the importance of planning, perseverance, and celebrating successes, no matter how small.
• Setting goals together leads to a stronger, more cohesive unit.
• Goal-setting can improve communication and trust, creating a deeper connection between family members as they work together towards common objectives.

Introducing the vision board

A vision board is a visual representation of your goals, created by arranging images, words, and other creative elements on a board. It serves as a daily reminder of what you’re working towards, helping to reinforce positive thinking and motivation.

For a family, a vision board offers a unique opportunity to unite around shared dreams and aspirations. It’s a fun and meaningful activity that allows everyone to have a say in shaping the family’s future.

By engaging in this creative process together, families can bond, communicate openly, and stay focused on their collective goals for the year ahead.

Steps to create a family vision board

Creating a family vision board is a wonderful way to bond while setting goals for the year ahead. Here’s how to get started:

1.. Gather supplies

Start by collecting materials like poster boards, magazines, markers, glue, and scissors. This is a fantastic opportunity to involve children in a hands-on, creative project that lets their imaginations run wild.

2. Discuss and set goals together

Sit down as a family and talk about your dreams and goals for 2025. Consider categories such as personal growth, family activities, health, education, and travel. Make sure everyone has a chance to share their ideas so that the vision board reflects the whole family’s aspirations.

3. Create the vision board

Begin by selecting images, words, and phrases that represent your family’s goals. As you work together, encourage listening and collaboration, ensuring that everyone’s contributions are valued. This step is all about turning your collective dreams into a visual reality.

4. Display and reflect

Place your family vision board in a prominent location where it can serve as a daily reminder of your goals. Regularly check in on your progress, celebrate achievements, and make any adjustments as needed to stay on track throughout the year.

Creating a family vision board is a powerful way to stay connected, focused, and motivated as you work towards shared goals throughout the year. By making this a fun and meaningful annual tradition, you can strengthen family bonds and ensure everyone is on the same path towards success. 

Start planning your vision board project today, and look forward to a happier, more cohesive family unit in 2025.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• 5 Healthy Habits to Adopt in the New Year
• How You Can Strengthen Family Relationships in the New Year
• Encouraging Independence in Children: Rewards and Daily Routines to Help Children Be confident
• 8 Strategies for Promoting Well-Balanced Technology Use for Families

The post Parent and child vision board: why set goals for 2025 as a family (and how!) appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

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Well, since one-on-one time is crucial for building strong relationships, boosting self-esteem, and improving communication, we want to help you carve out the time specifically for this. Here’s how you can create meaningful one-on-one time with each of your children – no matter how busy you are.

Understand the need

Every child craves undivided attention from their parents. Therefore, it’s essential to recognise the signs that your child needs some extra attention. These signs can include acting out, becoming unusually quiet, or seeking constant approval. By being attuned to these signals, you can better meet your child’s emotional needs and strengthen your bond.

Choose quality over quantity

It’s not about how much time you spend, but how you spend it. For example, a focused, distraction-free 10 minutes can be more valuable than an hour of divided attention. Make those minutes count by being fully present.

Schedule daily time

Set aside a specific time each day for one-on-one interactions. Whether it’s 10 minutes in the morning or a bedtime chat, consistency is key. Tailor this time to fit both your schedule and your child’s preferences, ensuring it becomes a cherished routine.

Utilise spontaneous moments

Life is full of unexpected opportunities for one-on-one time. Use car rides, meal prep, or even waiting in line as moments to engage with your child. These impromptu interactions can be just as meaningful as planned activities.

Join their activities

Show interest in your child’s hobbies and activities. Whether it’s playing a video game, reading a book, or building a model, participating in their interests shows that you value their passions and enjoy spending time together.

Plan longer sessions

Monthly or quarterly ‘dates’ with each child can create lasting memories. Especially, if you let them help plan these outings to ensure they are engaging and enjoyable. These special times can become treasured traditions that your child looks forward to.

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Tips for maximising one-on-one time

Engage positively: Keep the interactions positive and engaging. Praise good behaviour, celebrate achievements, and focus on having fun together.

Minimise interruptions: To make the most of your one-on-one time, try to keep your other children occupied with their own activities. This helps minimise interruptions and allows you to focus solely on the child you’re with.

Avoid distractions: Put away your phone and other digital devices. Showing that you are fully present and attentive reinforces the importance of the time you’re spending together.

Be consistent: Even on busy or challenging days, strive to maintain your one-on-one time. Consistency shows your child that they are a priority, no matter what else is happening.

Be flexibile: Life can be unpredictable, so be flexible. If you miss a scheduled time, make it up later. The goal is to maintain an overall balance of attention and care.

Creating one-on-one time with each of your children is not about grand gestures but about consistent, meaningful interactions. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can strengthen your relationships, boost your child’s self-esteem, and foster open communication.

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Remember, the goal is to create positive and lasting memories, and even small efforts can make a significant difference. Don’t worry if you can’t be perfect all the time; what matters is the overall effort and the love you share.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• 5 Benefits of Sharing A Family Meal
• How to build joy, connection, and calm into your daily family life
• 8 Strategies for Promoting Well-Balanced Technology Use for Families
• 15 Time-Saving Tips For Busy Parents

The post How to Create One-on-One Time With Each of Your Children appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

However, for those who feel like the chaos sometimes outweighs the time for calm and connection, this blog is for you. Here are some practical ways to build joy, connection, and calm into your daily family life.

The power of joy

Joy is a powerful force in a child’s emotional and mental development. It creates lasting positive memories and helps build a resilient mindset. When children experience joy, they’re more likely to feel confident, curious, and engaged with the world around them.

Tips for increasing joy

• Engage in playful activities: Whether it’s outdoor games, board games, or imaginative play, these activities allow children to express themselves and bond with you.
• Celebrate small wins: Celebrate your child’s small wins, be it a good grade, a new skill, or even a kind gesture. These celebrations don’t have to be extravagant—sometimes a high-five or a special dinner can make all the difference.
• Create traditions: Family traditions, no matter how simple, give children something to look forward to. It could be a weekly movie night, Sunday morning pancakes, or an annual camping trip. These traditions create a sense of continuity and belonging.
• Encourage hobbies and interests: Support your child’s passions, whether it’s drawing, football, reading, or dancing. By encouraging their interests, you help them find joy in their pursuits and build self-esteem.

Tips to strengthen your connection

• Practice active listening: Active listening means giving your child your full attention, showing empathy, and validating their feelings without judgment.
• Think quality time, not quantity: Spending undistracted time with your child is crucial. Engage in activities that promote bonding, such as cooking together, reading bedtime stories, or taking nature walks.
• Communicate openly: Encourage open and honest dialogue with your child. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Use age-appropriate communication techniques to ensure they understand and feel heard.
• Be physically affectionate: Never underestimate the power of a cuddle. Physical affection helps children feel secure and loved, strengthening their emotional bond.
• Use technology wisely: Balancing screen time with face-to-face interactions is essential. Use technology as a tool for connection—such as video calls with distant relatives—but also make time for tech-free family activities.

Creating a peaceful family environment

When parents model calm behaviour, it teaches children how to handle stress and challenges with composure. Here are four ways you can create a calm and peaceful family environment:

Routine and structure

A consistent daily routine provides predictability, reducing anxiety and creating a sense of safety for children. Knowing what to expect helps them feel more in control and less stressed.

Mindful parenting

Practising mindful parenting means staying present and composed, even in challenging situations. By modelling calm behaviour, you teach your children valuable coping skills.

Stress-reduction techniques

Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your family routine, such as yoga, deep breathing exercises, or quiet reading time. Creating a calming space at home, perhaps a cosy corner with soft lighting and books can also help. 

Handling conflicts calmly

Conflicts are inevitable, but handling them calmly can teach your child vital conflict-resolution skills. Approach disagreements with a calm and rational mindset, and encourage your child to express their feelings and work towards a solution together.

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Bringing more joy, connection, and calm in your family life are essential steps towards a happier, healthier dynamic. These strategies benefit your child’s development, enhance your relationship, and create a loving, supportive environment. After all, parenting is about the journey, and with a bit of joy, connection, and calm, it can be the most rewarding adventure of all.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• 5 Benefits of Sharing A Family Meal
• How to Create One-on-One Time With Each of Your Children
• 8 Strategies for Promoting Well-Balanced Technology Use for Families
• 15 Time-Saving Tips For Busy Parents

The post How to build joy, connection, and calm into your daily family life appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

Here are some practical ways to reduce stress, manage it better, and make sure you’re looking after yourself.

Recognise and address stress

First things first, you need to spot the signs of stress. Parental burnout might show up as feeling overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, or just plain exhausted, so when you notice these red flags, it’s time to take action.

Little things like a brisk walk, a cuppa, or some deep breathing can work wonders to help you stay balanced and fend off burnout.

Stress management techniques to reduce parental burnout

1. Deep breathing: When parental burnout hits, deep breathing can help calm your nervous system. Inhale slowly and deeply, then exhale just as slowly. Do this for a few minutes each day to keep stress at bay.
2. Physical activity: Regular exercise reduces stress hormones and boosts endorphins, lifting your mood. Even short bursts of activity, like a quick jog or dancing with your kids, can make a big difference.
3. Mindfulness and meditation: Practicing mindfulness or meditation helps you stay present and reduces anxiety. There are plenty of apps and online resources to guide you through these calming practices.

Self-care strategies

1. Prioritise sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial, especially since poor sleep can worsen stress and parental burnout. The solution? Create a calming bedtime routine and a restful sleep environment.
2. Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet can boost your energy levels and improve your mood. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains in your meals.
3. Set boundaries: Learn to say no and set boundaries to protect your time and energy. This might mean delegating tasks or asking for help from family and friends. Remember, it’s okay to prioritise your own needs to combat parental burnout.

Building a support system

• Seek social support: Sharing experiences and advice can provide emotional relief and practical tips, helping you manage parental burnout more effectively.
• Professional help: If stress becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek help from a counsellor or therapist. Professional guidance can offer strategies tailored to your situation, making it easier to cope.
• Family involvement: Get your family involved in your self-care routine. This includes co-parenting strategies where responsibilities are shared more equitably, easing the burden on you.

Incorporating positivity and play

• Focus on the positives: Celebrate small victories and enjoy quality time with your children to combat parental burnout.
• Problem-solving: When faced with challenges, break them down into smaller tasks and tackle them one at a time.
• Playtime: Play is a natural stress reliever and helps build a stronger parent-child bond, which can significantly reduce feelings of burnout. 

Taking care of yourself is key!

Tackling parental burnout means recognising stress, using effective stress management techniques, practicing self-care, building a support system, and adding positivity and play into your daily routine.

Always remember, looking after yourself isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity for being the best parent you can be.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• How to Prioritise Self-Care as a Parent
• How Can a Busy Mum or Dad Practice Self-Care?
• 7 Tips for Meal Planning No Matter How Busy You Are
• Age Appropriate Chores for Children to Help Them Learn Valuable Life Skills

The post Parenting without burnout? How to manage stress and thrive appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

1. Be Realistic

Juggling life’s demands means setting achievable goals and not trying to conquer the world every day. An important time-saving tip for families is about striking a balance, not reaching for the stars every time.

2. Prioritise Sleep

Remember, a well-rested parent is a productive one. Ensuring you get enough shut-eye isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

3. Aim For Nutritional Balance

A balanced diet is your secret weapon for sustained energy and efficiency. Healthy eating isn’t a trend, it’s a lifestyle that keeps the whole family running smoothly.

4. Plan Weekly

Mapping out your week can reduce those frantic, last-minute scrambles and bring a sense of calm to your busy schedule.

5. Learn to Delegate

Family teamwork makes the dream work. Look how you can share chores and responsibilities, one of the top time-saving tips for families that the whole family can participate in!

6. Prioritise Tasks

Learn to spot the urgent and important tasks in your daily whirlwind. Focus on what matters and put less critical things on the back burner.

7. Invest in Time-saving Services

From grocery delivery to cleaning services, consider smartly reallocating tasks to create more family time.

8. Maintain Work-life Boundaries

Draw a clear line between work and home life. It’s essential for your mental well-being and ensures you’re fully present where it counts.

9. Eliminate Distractions

A fantastic time-saving tip for families is to cut through the noise of daily life by minimising distractions. This boosts your focus and productivity, making every minute count.

10. Avoid the Perfection Trap

Ditch the pursuit of perfection. It’s a surefire route to stress and unrealistic expectations. Remember, good enough is often just that — good enough.

11. Practice Mindfulness

Embrace mindfulness and meditation to anchor your days. It’s about finding calm in the chaos, enhancing focus, and reducing stress.

12. Limit Multitasking

Multitasking might seem efficient, but it often leads to half-done tasks. Focus on one thing at a time for better results. It’s about quality, not just ticking boxes.

13. Identify and Reduce Time-wasters

Be vigilant about activities that eat up your time without adding value. Cut down on endless scrolling or unnecessary commitments to free up more moments for what truly matters.

14. Keep To-Do Lists

Stay on top of your game with to-do lists. They’re the roadmaps that guide you through your busy day, ensuring nothing important slips through the cracks.

15. Schedule ‘Me Time’

Never underestimate the power of a break. Prioritise ‘me time’ for your mental and physical well-being. It’s not selfish; it’s essential for rejuvenating and returning stronger in your parenting role. (Need help with this? Read: How Can a Busy Mum or Dad Practice Self-Care?)

Don´t just survive, thrive!

By embracing these time-saving tips for families, you’re not just surviving the day-to-day but thriving in it. Remember, effective time management isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most efficiently. So, take these strategies, apply them to your unique family dynamics, and watch as your days transform into a more balanced, fulfilling experience for you and your loved ones.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

• How to Create a Daily Routine that Works for Your Family
• How to Develop a Peaceful Bedtime Routine

The post 15 Time-Saving Tips For Busy Parents appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

Family is the most important thing to all of us so naturally, when we think of how to bring even more happiness and success to the new year, spending more time together is pretty much at the top of our list. If you want to strengthen family relationships in the coming year, here are some great ideas that are easy to implement straight away!

1. Follow a routine

Over the Christmas holidays, it’s easy for daily routines to get scraped but what many families don’t know is that lack of structure can be a massive source of stress for children (not to mention the parents too!). As it’s the start of the new year, make sure you start it off right by returning to your usual bedtime and morning routines or by creating new ones. Trust us when we say everyone will be a lot more positive as a result of it!

2. Plan regular family time

Regular family time is vitally important for maintaining a strong sense of togetherness, so to strengthen family relationships this year, get into the habit of planning family time once a week. This could be something as simple as having a film or board games night or planning a weekend trip somewhere. The most important thing is to make the most of this time together so this means no phones!

3. Practice gratitude

Being grateful for one another is very important for bringing each other closer together so resolve to make gratitude a habit in your family this year. Whether it’s having everyone say one thing they are thankful for before dinner, starting a family journal or simply emphasizing the importance of saying “please” and “thank you,” teaching your children (and yourself) to be grateful for what you have is essential for building relationships and for getting through hard times.

4. Improve your communication skills

Communication problems are at the heart of almost every relationship and family issue so why not aim to do better this year? This means teaching your children about the importance of honesty and transparency but also modelling this type of communication to them too! This can be a difficult one to master but if your children see you trying, they will follow suit and you will strengthen family relationships along the way.

5. Support one another in your individual resolutions

Building your family relationships isn’t just about spending time together, it should involve working on yourself too. Sit down together and ask each person what new healthy habit they would like to work on this year. For little ones, this might be as simple as doing more arts and crafts, but whatever answers people give, you should brainstorm as a family the ways you can support each other and follow this through throughout the year. As your children grow so will the trust in your family relationships and you’ll all feel just how much you can depend on one another for support.

6. Get fit together

Habits are easier to keep when you do them with someone, plus it brings you closer! Whether it’s spending more time outdoors each day, getting to bed early or adding more fruit and veg to your daily dishes, sit down and decide as a family how you will prioritise your health this year. If you all decide together, you’ll all be far more likely to stick to it!

7. Prioritise one-on-one time as much as possible

Whether you have one child or several, it’s essential that you have some one-on-one time with them every day. Even if it’s just 5 or 10 minutes, commit to spending some time each day to play with your child and to listen to what they’ve done that day. These interactions show your children how much they mean to you, especially if you’re praising them for a task that they’ve done well that day. This does wonders for their self-esteem and to strengthen family relationships.

8. Praise your child for positive behaviour

While it is important to correct misbehaviour, it is just as essential to praise the type of behaviour that you want from your children. For this new year, try to do this more. Even if it’s just telling them how thankful you are for them, how much you appreciated that they put their toys away or how proud you are of their accomplishments however big or small. Your children can sense how genuine your statements are and if you accompany these with a pat on the back or a big hug, it will help to bring you closer.

It’s always a good time to strengthen family relationships

We are talking about starting the year right, but there’s never a bad time to strengthen family relationships! Whatever time of year, start practising gratitude, communicate openly with each other, and prioritise quality time together – you’ll soon see that you’ll have stronger relationships because of it.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

• Why it is Essential to Encourage a Growth Mindset in Your Children
• 5 Healthy Habits to Adopt in the New Year
• How to Recognise if Your Child is Stressed and What to Do
• How to Build a Positive Parenting Connection

The post How You Can Strengthen Family Relationships in the New Year appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

1. Slash Your Food Bills

Plan your meals around what’s on sale and snag those deals with coupon apps. Set a cash budget for your supermarket runs to keep a tight rein on spending.

2. Keep Your Festivities Frugal

Making homemade decorations is fun for the whole family while keeping the costs low, a great money-saving tip for families. 

3. Embrace Secondhand Options

Scoop up pre-loved clothes and toys, and sell what you no longer use.

4. Enjoy Low-Cost Entertainment

Opt for free or inexpensive entertainment such as local parks, libraries, and community events.

5. Trim Your Travel Expenses

A great money-saving tip for families is to take advantage of public transport. Remember, with offers like Kids Go Free by Transport for Wales, your little ones can journey at no extra cost. Whenever you can, cycle or walk too!

6. Master The Art of Smart Shopping

Always hunt for discounts, sales, and cashback opportunities to ensure you never fork out the full price. 

7. Boost your home’s energy efficiency

Invest in energy-saving appliances and adopt minor tweaks that shrink utility bills. These can lead to significant savings over time.

8. Budget-Friendly Holidays

Where possible, plan holidays during off-peak periods and scout out deals on stays and fun activities. These money-saving tips for families make it possible to create cherished memories without the hefty price tag.

9. Set up an Automatic Savings Plan

This is a straightforward money-saving tip for families that will steadily build an emergency fund or nest egg for future aspirations.

10. Learn for free

Use free online resources such as those available on bbc.co.uk and tap into the wealth of knowledge at public libraries to bolster your children’s education. 

11. Embrace DIY and Home Maintenance

You can learn these skills quite easily if you need to make some basic home repairs or maintenance. There are plenty of instructional videos online, which means you can cut out the costly service fees! 

12. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Cut down on waste by using reusable containers instead of disposable ones, mend clothes rather than buying new, and recycle electronics.

13. Streamline Your Kitchen Routine With Meal Planning

Cooking in batches and freezing meals is a top money-saving tip for families. It also curbs the urge to splurge on takeaways. 

14. Review and Reduce Subscriptions

Keep subscription costs in check with a regular review. This is a simple yet effective money-saving tip for families, as they really do add up! If you review regularly, you can ensure that you only pay for services and memberships you use.

15. Talk Budget Together

Involve the whole family in budgeting sessions.  Discuss monthly finances and teach your kids the ropes of personal finance, including saving and responsible spending. 

16. Check Your Current Deals

Haggle with your service providers or consider switching to snag better deals on your internet, mobile plans, or gas and electric. 

That’s a wrap on our top money-saving tips for families! With these 16 smart strategies, you can tighten the purse strings without squeezing out the fun. Start small, think big, and watch your savings grow.

Want more advice? See our other money and budget-focused blogs below.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

• 18 Creative Gift Ideas to Save You Money at Christmas
• Tips for Parents – How to Live on a Budget with Children?
• The Secret to Throwing a Kid’s Party on a Budget

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