Parenting Archives - Mummy & Moose

Ah, British summer. That magical time of year when the sun graces us for longer than 17 minutes, ice cream vans play their haunting tunes, and we all collectively remember that our houses were designed to trap heat, not get rid of it.

The UK isn’t exactly famous for its scorching summers, but when they arrive, we panic-buy fans, strip off layers we’ve been wearing since October, and start Googling “how to sleep in heat without losing your sanity.”

This guide is for everyone — from the tiniest new human in a sunhat to the wise grandparent sipping tea in the shade — packed with practical advice, funny truths, and enough tips to get you through a heatwave without melting into the sofa.

Understanding Why the UK Gets So Unbearable in Summer

If you’ve ever wondered why 28°C in the UK feels like 40°C in Spain, here’s the science:

Humidity: Our air likes to hold on to water like it’s in a clingy relationship.
Buildings: UK homes are insulated to keep us warm in winter… and in summer… and in September.
Our attitude: We spend most of the year moaning about the rain and then, when the sun arrives, we “make the most of it” until we’re sunburnt and dizzy.

So yes, we are slightly to blame. But don’t worry — we’ll fix that with some sensible (and some slightly silly) tips.

Keeping Babies Cool

Babies are basically tiny hot water bottles that can’t regulate their temperature well. Here’s how to help them:

1. Light Clothing

Stick to loose, breathable fabrics like cotton. If it’s really warm indoors, a nappy and a thin vest will do.

2. Shade is Non-Negotiable

Pram covers might look shady, but they can trap heat. Use a parasol or a specially designed breathable sunshade.

3. Cool Baths

A lukewarm (not cold) bath before bedtime can help them settle. Plus, splashing is fun.

4. Hydration

For babies under six months, extra breastfeeds or bottle feeds are enough. Older babies can sip cooled boiled water.

Tips for Toddlers and Young Children

Children have the magical ability to run around in 30°C heat like it’s nothing, but their little bodies can overheat fast.

1. Frozen Fruit Snacks

Frozen grapes (cut up to avoid choking), melon cubes, or banana slices make great cooling treats.

2. Paddling Pool Time

Best deployed in a shaded spot, unless you enjoy turning your kids into tiny lobsters.

3. DIY Water Play

Buckets, jugs, and plastic cups can keep them busy for ages. Bonus points for “car washes” with toy cars.

4. Cool Down Naps

Darken their room during the day with blackout blinds and keep a fan running — but not blowing directly at them.

Cooling Tips for Teenagers

Teenagers are complex creatures — prone to ignoring advice, rolling eyes, and wearing black hoodies even in a heatwave.

1. The Hoodie Ban

Explain that wearing thick layers in the heat is a one-way ticket to feeling faint.

2. Cold Showers

Perfect for freshening up and cooling down after sports.

3. Cool Hangouts

Encourage them to spend time in shaded parks or air-conditioned libraries instead of roasting in their bedrooms.

4. Hydration by Stealth

Teenagers love iced coffee. You can sneak in hydration by making iced herbal teas or diluted juice and calling it a “mocktail.”

Adults — Staying Cool Without Losing Your Dignity

We adults think we can tough it out, but the sweaty reality says otherwise.

1. Master the Cross-Breeze

Open windows on opposite sides of your home to let air flow through.

2. Cool Your Pulse Points

Dab cold water or press an ice pack against your wrists, neck, or behind your knees.

3. Light Meals

Heavy roasts and pies are lovely… in December. Summer calls for salads, cold pasta dishes, and fruit platters.

4. Dress for the Weather

Light fabrics, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses are not just fashion choices — they’re survival gear.

Keeping Grandparents Comfortable

Older adults can struggle more in the heat because their bodies don’t regulate temperature as efficiently.

1. Check In Often

Make sure they’re drinking enough water and staying in the shade.

2. Keep Rooms Cool

Close curtains during the hottest part of the day and use a fan to circulate air.

3. Simple Cooling Aids

Cooling scarves or gel pads can make a big difference.

4. Watch for Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Dizziness, headaches, or nausea mean it’s time to cool down fast.

Pets Are Family Too

Dogs, cats, and other furry friends can suffer in the heat.

Walk dogs early morning or late evening.
Keep fresh water available at all times.
Avoid leaving pets in cars, ever.

Home Cooling Hacks

DIY Aircon: Put a bowl of ice in front of a fan. Instant arctic breeze.
Sheet Swap: Switch to cotton or linen bedding in summer.
Window Wisdom: Keep windows closed during the hottest hours, then open them in the evening.
Reflective Foil: A temporary foil covering on south-facing windows can block heat.

Fun Ways to Stay Cool Outdoors

Go to the beach (bonus: the sea is like a giant ice bath in the UK).
Visit shaded gardens or woodland trails.
Take a picnic with cold foods and frozen drinks.

Sleep Like a Polar Bear

1. Cool Bedding

Choose breathable fabrics and skip the heavy duvet. I love the Bedsure Cooling Blanket. I have been using this every night over the summer and it is honestly like a cheat code for a great nights sleep!

2. Bedside Ice Pack

Wrap one in a tea towel and pop it near your feet.

3. Pre-Cool the Room

Fan + open window = better bedtime.

Recognising Heat-Related Illnesses

If someone shows signs of:

Headache
Confusion
Heavy sweating or no sweating
Rapid heartbeat
… it’s time to get them somewhere cool, give fluids, and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

The UK might only get a few weeks of real heat each year, but when it happens, it’s intense. With the right mix of humour, planning, and maybe a few sacrificial bags of frozen peas, you can keep everyone — from baby to great-grandparent — comfortable and safe.

And remember: sunburn fades, but the embarrassing photo of you lying face-down on a paddling pool will last forever.

Let’s be honest — for many young teens, the words “school trip” still bring flashbacks of standing in the drizzle outside a ruined castle while a teacher points at moss. But the UK is teeming with educational days out that are anything but dull. Here’s a collection of trips that mix STEM, genuine learning with enough fun to keep even the most TikTok-obsessed Year 9 engaged.

Why Choose Educational UK Trips for Teens?

Because, dear reader, there’s only so much you can teach in a classroom before eyes glaze over and someone starts drawing moustaches on historical figures in the textbook. These trips make subjects tangible, interactive, and — dare we say — memorable.

1. Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh – Interactive Earth Science

Nestled beside Holyrood, Dynamic Earth isn’t just a museum; it’s a time machine. Teens can stroll through a tropical rainforest, touch a real iceberg, or experience the Big Bang without any actual risk of singeing their eyebrows. Perfect for geography, science, and impressing them with a planetarium show that’s way cooler than it sounds.

2. Eureka! Halifax – Playful Science Exploration

Forget dusty displays and “do not touch” signs. Eureka! is designed for hands-on learning. It’s split into zones covering the human body, senses, space, and even a pretend town square where they can play at having a job (a shock to the system for many). The name says it all — lightbulb moments guaranteed.

3. Jodrell Bank Observatory – Space and Astronomy for Teens

This is where the Lovell Telescope lives — a colossal white dish so big it could probably pick up your teen’s complaints from space. The exhibits bring astronomy to life, and with interactive models in the Space Pavilion, there’s a good chance they’ll leave genuinely knowing the difference between a galaxy and a solar system.

4. DIG York – Archaeology Adventures

At DIG, teens grab a trowel and brush and get stuck into excavating replica Roman, Viking, medieval, and Victorian finds. It’s hands-on history at its best — though be warned, they might start “digging” in your garden when you get home. On the plus side, at least they’ll know what a stratigraphic layer is.

5. , Bristol – Creative Science Learning

We The Curious combines science with creativity in a way that feels more like a giant interactive playground than a learning centre. Over 200 exhibits and a 3D planetarium mean your teens can go from building a giant bubble to exploring black holes — and possibly return home asking you about quantum physics.

6. Enginuity, Shropshire – Hands-On Engineering Fun

This place is all about making things move, light up, and occasionally fall over (in the name of science, of course). Enginuity lets teens build bridges, control robotic arms, and discover just how satisfying it is to make something work — even if they’ve never so much as held a spanner before.

7. Cadbury World, Birmingham – Business, Geography and Chocolate

Yes, it’s about chocolate. But it’s also about marketing, geography, and industrial production — all wrapped up in a deliciously sweet package. Teens get to see how cocoa is grown, processed, and turned into the bars they buy at the corner shop. And yes, there are free samples. Education never tasted so good.

8. Bletchley Park & The National Museum of Computing – Codebreaking and STEM

Step into the world of World War II codebreakers and marvel at the machinery that helped shape modern computing. Bletchley Park’s wartime huts and the clacking of recreated Bombe machines make history feel alive. Pair it with the nearby computing museum and you’ve got a full day of STEM that’s sneakily thrilling.

9. English Heritage Castles – Bringing History to Life

From Dover Castle’s medieval tunnels to the ruins of Kenilworth and the windswept drama of Hadrian’s Wall, English Heritage sites are history in 3D. Many offer role-play days and workshops — so don’t be surprised if your teen comes home speaking like a Tudor courtier or demanding you address them as “Your Grace”.

10. PGL Outdoor Adventures – Building Confidence and Skills

Think less “classroom” and more “climbing wall, raft-building, and archery tag.” PGL trips sneak in valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and resilience — all while keeping them too busy to check their phones. They might even come home tired (imagine!).

11. London Museums – Iconic Cultural and Scientific Experiences

The capital’s museums are treasure troves. The Science Museum will have them tinkering with interactive exhibits, the Natural History Museum can bring out their inner palaeontologist, and the British Museum covers everything from mummies to Samurai armour. Add the Tower of London for a dose of gory royal history, and you’ve ticked off half their curriculum in a weekend.

Honourable Mentions

South Downs Planetarium – Volunteer astronomers who make stargazing feel like storytelling.
Dinosaur Isle, Isle of Wight – A fossil-filled day by the sea.
Centre for Computing History, Cambridge – Retro gaming meets programming.
The Eden Project, Cornwall – Rainforest domes, sustainability workshops, and plants bigger than your car.

Why These Trips Actually Work for Teens

They’re interactive – No sitting passively while someone drones on.
They’re relevant – Connect classroom learning to the real world.
They’re immersive – From 4D films to hands-on experiments.
They develop skills – Teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving get a workout too.

Tips for Parents and Teachers

Link it to schoolwork – Give them a reason to connect it to their studies.
Mix cost and wow factor – Not every trip needs to be expensive to be memorable.
Book ahead – Especially during school holidays.
Give them a role – Let them photograph exhibits or lead part of the group.
Follow up at home or in class – Projects, presentations, or even a quiz.

In Summary

Educational trips don’t have to be a slow trudge through a museum while teens text each other under the table. With a bit of thought, you can swap yawns for “Wow!” moments — and maybe even sneak in some actual learning along the way.

Ah, secondary school. That magical time of life when children transform into teens, homework triples, hormones go haywire, and school bags suddenly weigh more than a small pony. If you’re a parent with a child about to make the leap from primary to secondary, you’re probably feeling a curious cocktail of pride, panic, and how is my baby this grown up already?

But worry not, fellow parents. Whether your child is confidently strutting into Year 7 like a mini adult or clinging to your leg like a koala at the school gates, I’ve put together this trusty guide to help you prepare both them and yourself for this rite of passage — with plenty of tips, hard-earned wisdom, and the occasional dose of sarcasm.

1. The Uniform Odyssey

Let’s begin with the first challenge: the uniform shop. A place where time stands still, socks are mysteriously £12 a pair, and there’s always one mum sobbing in the corner because the blazers only go up to a size 32 and her child is already built like a rugby forward.

Top tips:

Don’t leave uniform shopping until the last week of August unless you enjoy chaos and elbowing strangers over the last size 36 trousers.
Label EVERYTHING. Seriously, if it’s not bolted down, it needs a name tag. Within the first week, your child’s jumper will have gone on an adventure more epic than Frodo’s.
Buy spares of the cheap stuff (socks, shirts, pens). They vanish into the abyss faster than your patience during a Year 7 maths homework session.

2. The School Bag Situation

Primary school bags are for lunchboxes and a book. Secondary school bags are for a 10-book daily rotation, a laptop, three forgotten banana peels, and a water bottle that leaks just enough to ruin the science homework.

Choose wisely:

Backpacks with strong zips, multiple compartments and reinforced straps are a must. You’re basically buying a mobile locker.
Encourage your child to pack their bag the night before, though be warned: this will become your life’s work. Nag gently, or, if necessary, bribe with biscuits.
Invest in a separate PE bag. It’ll stop the gym shoes from stinking out the rest of the belongings.

3. The Lost Art of Organisation

In Year 6, children are still handed everything on a plate. In Year 7, that plate is chucked into a whirlwind of rotating timetables, room changes and 47 different teachers who all expect your child to remember their homework.

Things you’ll need:

A wall planner big enough to track your child’s homework, clubs, and emotional breakdowns.
An alarm clock. Yes, they’ve used it before, but now it’s war. You may have to become one with the snooze button.
Teach them to check their timetable daily. Don’t assume they’ll remember PE is on Tuesdays. They’ll forget. And they’ll wear loafers.

4. The Journey to School

Whether they’re walking, cycling, getting the bus or you’re dropping them off (with a 200-metre buffer to preserve their cool), getting to school is a big change.

Consider:

Practising the route in advance. Preferably not on the morning of their first day, when panic is high and traffic is higher.
Equipping them with an emergency fiver. Because there will be a day when the bus pass is missing, their phone’s dead, and only a vague sense of direction stands between them and the local kebab shop.
If they’re walking, ensure they know basic road safety. And by “basic” I mean “not texting while crossing four lanes of traffic”.

5. Food, Glorious Food

Remember when school lunch was a lovely fish finger and some custard? These days, it’s a contact sport. Queueing, paying, choosing — all while not spilling tomato sauce down their brand new shirt.

Tips:

Talk to them about the lunch system: do they need a card? Is it biometric? Are you topping it up?
Don’t be surprised if they survive on a rotation of paninis and cookies for the first term.
If you’re doing packed lunches, be inventive. Not Instagram-mum inventive, just… slightly more appealing than a sweaty cheese sandwich.

6. Homework Woes and Wi-Fi Wars

Homework in secondary school is not just more frequent — it’s sneakier. It hides in planners, gets “forgotten” under the bed, and sometimes isn’t even real.

What helps:

Set up a homework station. Nothing fancy — just a place where all the stationery isn’t chewed and the Wi-Fi is strong.
Encourage routine. A snack, a moan, then homework. If you’re lucky, they’ll even do it without a dramatic reading of how unfair life is.
Be prepared for odd assignments. One week it’s making a model volcano. The next, it’s re-enacting the Treaty of Versailles using puppets.

7. The Social Side (a.k.a The Emotional Minefield)

New friends, new teachers, old friends who suddenly prefer TikTok to skipping — the social world of secondary school is enough to make your head spin.

Here’s how to support them:

Listen, even when they grunt. Sometimes a “fine” really means “today was tough but I don’t know how to talk about it yet.”
Don’t push too hard on friendship details. Kids fall in and out of friendship like socks out of the laundry.
Keep an eye on their mood. A bit of nervousness is normal. A full-on meltdown every day might need a quiet chat (and possibly a biscuit or twelve).

8. Technology: Friend or Foe?

Phones become vital for secondary school kids — for staying in touch, for looking cool, and for texting you when they’ve forgotten their trumpet.

Rules to consider:

Agree on screen time limits. Homework will mysteriously require six hours on YouTube unless otherwise stated.
Teach digital responsibility: no sharing passwords, no oversharing photos, and no drama llamas in the group chat.
Most schools have strict phone policies. Make sure they know them. Or prepare to replace a confiscated phone after Day 2.

9. Parental Survival Tips

Let’s not forget about you, dear parent. This is a big change for you as well.

A few final words of wisdom:

Avoid comparing your child to others. If Tommy down the road colour-coded his timetable and memorised pi to 60 digits, good for him. Your child remembered to wear trousers. Celebrate the win.
Don’t panic if they hate the first week. Or the first month. Change is messy. Keep being their safe place.
Laugh. A lot. The first time they pack a PE kit with only one trainer and a banana? Hilarious. Eventually.

Secondary school is a whole new world, but it’s also the beginning of your child’s journey into independence. There’ll be hiccups. There’ll be late nights and last-minute projects and emotional outbursts about forgotten lunch cards. But there’ll also be growth, resilience, and more moments of pride than you can count.

So breathe. Trust the process. And pack an extra snack. You’ve got this.

And if all else fails — send them in with a pen. At least one. It’s the little victories.

Adopting a child can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, but it also brings a mix of emotional and legal challenges. The joy of welcoming a child into your home often comes with mixed feelings and the realisation that you’re entering unfamiliar territory. It’s completely normal to experience a range of emotions along the way. Recognising potential challenges and learning how to approach them can make the process smoother.

Understanding the emotional impact

Adoption can bring about many different emotions, from excitement and anticipation to uncertainty and anxiety. It’s common to wonder if you’ll bond with your child or if you’re ready to meet their needs. The process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve waited a long time, and the pressure to provide a loving, stable home can add to the stress.

Acknowledging these emotions helps you manage them more effectively. Don’t hesitate to seek support from a therapist or connect with other adoptive parents to share your experience.

The legal framework

The legal adoption process in the UK is thorough but can be lengthy and complex. It starts with an assessment to determine your suitability as an adoptive parent, including interviews, home visits and background checks. Social workers will evaluate your ability to provide a stable environment and meet the child’s needs.

Once the assessment is complete, family law solicitors can guide you through the legal steps, helping you understand your rights and obligations and advising on any challenges. Everything is finalised when an adoption order transfers parental rights to you.

Overcoming challenges in bonding

Forming a bond with your adopted child might not be straightforward. Many children in adoption have experienced trauma, neglect or multiple moves, which can impact their emotional development and lead to attachment issues. This may result in behavioural problems like withdrawal or difficulty expressing needs.

As an adoptive parent, patience and empathy are key. Trust takes time, so create a safe and loving environment, allowing the child to lead the connection. Avoid pushing for closeness, and instead, engage in simple activities like reading or spending quiet time together.

If bonding proves difficult, seek support from professionals specialising in attachment and trauma to strengthen your connection.

Post-adoption support and legal considerations

Even when everything is finalised, the journey continues. Ongoing assistance, such as counselling and parenting advice can help adoptive parents adjust to their new family dynamic.

In some cases, people may experience concerns about contact with birth families or the child’s citizenship if the adoption is international. A family law solicitor can assist with these matters, ensuring compliance with the law and the child’s best interests.

If you’d like advice from a family law solicitor to assist with your adoption process, get in touch with a reputable firm today.

World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity for children to celebrate their love of reading and literature. It’s a day when they can step into the shoes of their favourite characters and bring stories to life. It was so much easier when Moose was little! For older children, finding the perfect costume can sometimes be a challenge, especially if they want to balance creativity with comfort and ease. In this blog post, we’ll explore easy costume ideas that are perfect for older children, ensuring they can participate in the fun without too much hassle.

1. Harry Potter
A simple black robe, round glasses, and a wand can transform your child into the famous wizard.

2. Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)
A black outfit, a toy bow and arrow, and a Mockingjay pin will do the trick!

3. Matilda
A blue dress, a red ribbon, and a stack of books will make your child look just like Roald Dahl’s clever heroine.

4. Sherlock Holmes
A tweed jacket, a deerstalker hat, and a magnifying glass will have them solving mysteries in no time.

5. Percy Jackson
A Camp Half-Blood t-shirt, jeans, and a toy sword will bring this demigod to life.

6. The Gruffalo
A brown outfit with some DIY ears and a tail can easily create this beloved character.

7. Alice in Wonderland
A blue dress, white apron, and a headband will have your child ready for a tea party with the Mad Hatter.

8. The BFG
A large oversized shirt, trousers, and a homemade giant ear will make them look like the Big Friendly Giant.

9. Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
A smart jacket, a golden ticket, and a top hat will make your child feel like they’ve just won a tour of Willy Wonka’s factory.

10. Hermione Granger
A Hogwarts robe, a wand, and a stack of books will make them the brightest witch of their age.

11. The Cat in the Hat
A striped hat, a red bow tie, and a black outfit will bring Dr. Seuss’s character to life.

12. Pippi Longstocking
A colourful dress, mismatched socks, and braided hair will create this adventurous character.

13. The Mad Hatter
A quirky outfit with a top hat and lots of mismatched patterns will embody this whimsical character.

14. Gandalf
A long grey robe, a wizard hat, and a staff will make your child look like the wise wizard from Middle-earth.

15. The Little Prince
A blue coat, a yellow scarf, and a toy rose will create a charming look.

16. Where’s Wally?
A red and white striped shirt, blue jeans, and round glasses will make them instantly recognizable.

17. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
A green outfit with some DIY caterpillar segments can be a fun and creative choice.

18. Willy Wonka
A purple coat, a top hat, and a golden ticket will have them ready to lead a chocolate factory tour.

19. Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon
A Viking-style outfit with a toy dragon will make them feel like a dragon trainer.

20. Coraline
A yellow raincoat, blue wig, and button eyes will create a spooky yet fun look.

21. The Phantom Tollbooth
A suit and tie with a toy tollbooth can be a clever costume idea.

22. Dobby the House Elf
A simple pillowcase and some DIY ears will create this beloved character.