Family Life

What Does It Take to be a Great Foster Carer?

Becoming a foster carer can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. Opening up your home to care for vulnerable children in need provides them with stability, support and a nurturing family environment. However, fostering also comes with many challenges. It takes some special qualities and skills to be a great foster carer. Here’s an overview of what it takes.

Patience and Understanding

Children entering foster care may have come from traumatic backgrounds and have complex needs. They may act out, struggle to trust you initially and be slow to adapt to new routines. As a...

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Liv Butler

Liv Butler

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What Your Children Can Do this Summer to Fight Boredom

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Fri, 03/01/2024 - 11:43pm

As summer approaches, parents are often met with the challenge of keeping their children engaged and away from the monotony of screen time. With the right activities, summer can be a time for children to explore new interests, develop skills, and make lasting memories. This guide offers practical and exciting ideas for what your children can do this summer to combat boredom and embrace the joy of the season.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

One of the best ways to break the cycle of boredom is by encouraging children to step outside and explore the natural world. Whether it’...

Kidzone set to welcome more pre-schoolers at Westbank

The expanding pre-school within Westbank’s centre at Exminster has recently developed its facilities with a view to providing high quality, individually tailored education to more 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds in the area.

The ‘Kidzone’ at Farmhouse Rise in Exminster offers a large, bright room with an amazing view over the Exminster marshes towards Woodbury. The outdoor space has recently been extended to give the children plenty of room to ride bikes and scooters and run around and will have free-flow play inside and out.

An OFSTED registered pre-school, Kidzone encourages 2...

How have divorce rates changed since no-fault divorce was introduced?

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Wed, 02/21/2024 - 11:20am

Separating couples can now get a divorce without having to blame each other for the breakdown of the marriage. Recognised as a “no-fault divorce”, couples are no longer required to prove the ground for divorce.

Now, the law encourages a softer, more constructive approach to separation, putting trust in the judgement of the couple involved. This is to ensure the online divorce process remains as straightforward and amicable as possible.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the impact of no-fault divorces and how divorce rates have changed since it was first introduced....

Long-Distance Caregiving - Staying Connected and Involved from Afar

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Sat, 01/27/2024 - 9:16am

Caring for elderly parents is a role many of us find ourselves stepping into, though it often comes with challenges, especially when distance is involved. If you're living miles away from your elderly parents, you might feel anxious or helpless about not being physically present to care for them. However, long-distance caregiving, while complex, can still be highly effective.

This guide aims to offer some practical advice and reassurance for those managing the care of their loved ones from afar.

Understanding Your Role as a Long-Distance Caregiver

First, it’s...

5 Best Types of Prams for Newborns

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Wed, 01/24/2024 - 7:34am

Are you looking for the perfect pram for your newborn? Look no further! In this article, we've rounded up the five best types of prams that are ideal for your little one.

We've got you covered whether you're after a traditional pram or a lightweight option. Need something versatile for your on-the-go lifestyle? Check out our travel system and all-terrain prams.

With our top picks, you'll find the perfect pram to suit your needs and keep your baby comfortable.

Let's take a look at our top styles!

Traditional Prams

When choosing a pram for your...

Step up, Step in and STOP harassment and abuse of women and girls

With the festive season in full swing, Devon & Cornwall Police has issued advice to everyone who is out and about in the run up to Christmas to do what they can to keep themselves and everyone else safe. The force will also be actively keeping an eye out for sexually aggressive behaviour.

Detective Superintendent Nicky Seager, Force Lead on violence against women and girls said: “Across the Force area you may see an increased police presence on our streets in the evenings. This will include deployments of Project Vigilant in areas where people congregate to eat, drink and be...

How to Apply for a Fiancé Visa in the UK: Steps and Requirements

Authored by Ellie Green
Posted: Tue, 11/28/2023 - 10:04am

The UK is a popular destination for many people, including those who are looking to get married. If you're planning to come to the UK as a fiancé or spouse, and you want to be with your loved one there, you might need to apply for a Fiancé Visa . In this article, we will explain what this visa is and how it works. We will also take a look at some of the common challenges that arise when applying for one, along with tips on how to overcome them before submitting your application.

Eligibility Criteria for a Fiancé Visa:
  1. You must be at least 18 years old.
  2. Your
    3. ...

Renting a Car as a Salvation When Travelling with Children

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Mon, 11/20/2023 - 9:01am

Travelling with children is fun and joyful. By doing so, you strengthen the bonds between family members and create wonderful moments that you will treasure for a long time. Car rental is great for family people who like to travel long distances with children. Also, hiring a car is indispensable if you fly abroad on vacation and prefer to rent a car there instead of using public transport. For example, a popular destination for holidays with children is Dubai, because they treat children wonderfully and have all the conditions for a vacation with them. But even if you are visiting the...

Packing for nursery day: Winter edition

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Fri, 11/10/2023 - 1:32pm

Winter mornings can become particularly chilly, and if you’re getting your child ready for nursery during this time, you’ll want to make sure they’re properly equipped for a day of learning.

Whether your child is attending one of the many Grandir nurseries or someplace else, here are some things that you could help them pack in their school bag…

  • Essentials for warmth

One of the main essentials that you should be focused on providing for your children during the colder months is anything to provide extra warmth.

This could include anything...

​​​​​​​Princesshay unveils all new Christmas lights

Discover the magic of Christmas at Princesshay this year with a brand-new festive lights display.

The new lights will be illuminated from Thursday 16th November, switched on by Worldbeaters act SPARK! who will officially start the countdown to Christmas.

Visitors to Princesshay will be able to explore the spectacular lights across the centre including magical Angel Wings next to the city’s historic Roman Wall, Santa’s Sleigh, perfect for festive family moments, and a giant Christmas Tree in Princesshay Square.

This lighting scheme will be the centre’s greenest...

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