OH, WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

My focus of late has been entirely on being a wife,  mother and finishing a book I am writing.

If you've enjoyed any of my blog posts I think you'll love the book!

I've also started a blog over at our website  which hasn't got much on it yet because I've been too busy.

But I guess this is my "Signing Off" blog - when the book is printed and done (and before I start on the 2nd Edition!) I will endeavour to post some more encouraging blogs on the Willow Cottage site.

And so, dear readers, I leave you with a piece from my book.

God Bless

The Mummalady

****

Don't forget that a few carefully chosen toys are better, and lead to greater creativity, less clutter and more peace!

I have often read that a good toy is 90% child and 10% toy - that it will be adaptable to many uses and inspire many different imaginary scenarios, not based on television shows or movies;  sturdy, long-lasting and become props for creative/dramatic play (at this point I would also say that I strongly suggest you get rid of your television if you want children who can think, reason, play and learn efficiently.)

More than the quality of the toys, it is the time we spend and the relationships we build with our children that they will most remember.

I'd just like to really confirm the fact that parents and children who play together have a chance to observe the other quietly, and a parent can see how a child is coping with life – both physically and emotionally. Many interesting conversations take part in the relaxed atmosphere of play, and some precious thoughts are shared.

If a child can't decide what to play with then the parent should decide. A child who is bored, destructive or annoying others may be helped by simply starting a game with them. Pull a box off the shelf and set up some farm animals and a tractor – or gently wrap a dolly in a blanket, get a wooden bowl and a spoon and pretend to feed her some breakfast.

Would you child or children like you to set something up for them? Here are some ideas for role-playing.

*****