Kids

How to manage back-to-school anxiety

With the nation’s schoolchildren poised to go back to school, it’s a tense time for everyone. So, how, as parents, should we control our fears? Muddy finds out.
Whitehall School, Somersham

Small but perfectly formed, this family-owned and pastorally-strong nursery, pre-, and prep school in rural Cambridgeshire tailors the teaching to the needs of each child.
10 books for younger kids

Kids have had a lot on their plates: no school, no play dates, and slim chance of a summer of fun in the sun. Here's 10 great book for ages 5-8 to create a fictional escape route from the madness.
Ipswich School

This city-based, selective co-ed school for ages 11-18 pulls off the near impossible - amazing results across the board while retaining a happy, non hothousey environment.
Ipswich Prep School

This selective co-ed day school (for ages 3 - 11) in Ipswich strikes the perfect balance between impressive academics and a pastorally strong, nurturing vibe.
How to prepare your child for going back to school after lockdown

It's been a tricky year for kids with such a long, unexpected break in schooling. Worried about back to school anxiety and super clingy kids in September? Two top local schools offer some great advice.
The survival guide to lockdown parenting

School's out for summer... and the bloody rest. Parenting has never been harder so we've taken expert advice. You need to read this.
Is it time to try an online school?

With many children struggling to study at home and doubts over September start dates, specialist ‘virtual’ schools are gaining huge traction - but what do they offer that’s different?
Parent ‘Lockdown learning’ survey – the results

Earlier this month we commissioned our own comprehensive survey amongst Muddy readers into Lockdown Learning – and we’ve been blown away by the response! Thank you to the 1200 of you who expressed how you felt about virtual-schooling, the difficulties you and your children were facing, as well as revealing surprise success stories and offering […]
Kids driving you nuts? The best parenting books

And we all thought parenting was hard BEFORE lockdown. Jeez! We've got five brilliant new books that promise to help.
To school or not to school?

It's the dilemma that's dividing the nation - is it safe to send our children back to school on Monday? Two Muddy editors, one pro and one against, explain why they've made their personal decision.
Get beach smart: Top tips for beach safety

With the recent relaxation of lockdown the beach is back as a place to exercise but with no lifeguards present, make sure you don't end up in distress with our handy round-up of the RNLI's safety tips.
Living in lockdown with teens – eek!

Here are 20 things to do that might encourage your teenagers to get out of bed by midday – or at the very least by least by nightfall (fingers crossed).
Had enough of Joe Wicks? 8 more PE classes for kids

Bored of seeing those curls bouncing on your screen every morning? Get little ones off the sofa and burning off some energy with these lockdown PE teachers instead
25 online classes for kids during lockdown

Kids driving you mad and homeschooling not quite going to plan? Make the most of these free online classes with everything from drawing and cooking to yoga and astronomy
Top tips for home schooling your kids

Never imagined you'd have to teach your kids? No idea where to start? Here are our top tips and useful resources for home schooling. Good luck!
5 things I’ve learned about motherhood

Acclaimed author (and Muddy favourite) Clover Stroud is in the midst of raising her 5 children. Miraculously she's found time to write a book about it all. Here's a taster.
Easter activities SORTED!

Are you in Half-Term recovery mode? Now the kids are back at school (praise be), plan for an easier Easter with Barracudas Activity Day Camps – I reckon your ankle-biters will love it.
J’adore/ J’abhor

Parlez-vous teen slang? The language barrier has always been a problem when it comes to parent/child communications. Do you find the way your little darlings speak totally basic or, like, lit?
Your ultimate Autumn Walks guide

Grab your kids, your besties, your dog and anyone else who is free to join you on our first Autumn Walks initiative with Joules - and win coats and wellies for the whole family!
Sweetest summer fashion

There's no shortage of gorgeous children's companies, but high street brand Joules is our pick for the best-dressed kids on the beach.
Cute babywear

Is there a new little prince or princess in your family too? Click this way for the cutest newborn clothes around. Awwww!