As most of our regular readers are aware, this year has been a particularly challenging one in the Along Came Poppy household. The Mini Reviewers, now 4, 5 and 8, have had to deal with some huge changes and as a result there have been lots of big emotions flying around. The children have all experienced disturbed sleep, outbursts of anger as well as increased crying. These three things, according to the parents of 4-11 year olds recently surveyed by BookTrust, the UK's largest children's reading charity, are the most common signs of young children being worried or anxious.
I am a firm believer in being honest and open about my feelings and always encourage my children to be the same, as they say "a problem shared is a problem halved". However, BookTrust's latest research highlighting the importance of reading for children's mental health, indicates that only just over half of children aged between 8-11 talk to their parents when they are feeling stressed, sad or worried. 39% of children in this age range even admit to finding it difficult to talk about their feelings or emotions.*
Hello July! The first six months of 2017 seem to have whizzed by and the summer holidays are quickly approaching, so I thought it was about time I shared a round up of some of the amazing new picture books that have been released so far this year. Perhaps it will even inspire you to pick up a new book this summer...
Well, this week I’ve bitten the bullet, or rather we’ve bitten the bullet and Theo has started potty training. While Izzie took to the potty with ease, I have suspected for quite some time it would be more of a struggle for Theo.
Izzie never liked having a wet or dirty nappy, so from the stage she could sit up, we used to hold her on the potty. Then she would sit on the potty herself each evening (in front of CBeebies of course) and suddenly one day she started taking her nappies off and that was that, time for big girl pants. Her timing was dreadful as I was about 8 months pregnant with Theo and I really didn’t want to keep bending down to clean up little accidents. But, as always, Izzie was determined and, by the time Theo was born, she was dry during the day.
In contrast Theo has never liked the potty and hates having his nappy changed. Even now it takes ninja-like skills to do a quick dirty/clean swap. He is usually thrashing around on the floor like a demented octopus. Or, even worse, stubbornly lying flat on his front, nose pressed to the ground, body as stiff as a board! When asked, he will deny his nappy is dirty. He chooses to sit in it (whatever the state) just so he can continue to play. Therefore, as you can imagine, potty training him was at the very bottom of my “to do” list.
Anyway towards the middle of this week he took me completely by surprise and expressed an interest in wearing his “big boy” pants. (Remembering just how many pairs I’d needed for Izzie, I had bought several packs in the Mothercare Christmas sale!) So on Thursday I got out the pants, the obligatory stickers and all the potty/pants related books I could find, and we began.
Since then Theo has been running around the house in just pants and a top. His favourite potty has been travelling from room to room with us. I was not expecting this to be a quick process and I have been “cheating” and putting him in nappies for car journeys and at naptime to make it that bit easier for me. Day one there were lots of little puddles and even a wee in his favourite boat! But amazingly today there were just two puddles and six successful potty trips. Hooray! This may of course be beginners luck but I am just glad he will now happily sit on the potty.
Please do share your potty training tips with us... Until next time... HAPPY READING!
A belated "Hoppy" Birthday to Miffy, the sweet little bunny, who has very recently turned 61. I’m sure you will all agree she is looking very good for her age! The stories written and illustrated by the Dutch artist, Dick Bruna, have been translated into over 50 languages and still delight children worldwide. But what is it that makes these books so special?
Well for me it is the simplicity of both the illustrations and stories. I think this gives them a universal appeal. However, Izzie will tell you it is because Miffy is "just so cute” and I think she makes a very valid point. Miffy is very sweet and lovable and I have never met anyone who doesn’t appreciate Bruna’s colourful drawings.
We have already included “Miffy’s Birthday” in our 366 Books in 366 Days reading challenge. In this lovely little book, Bruna’s classic bright images are combined with a short rhyming story about Miffy’s special day. You find out how she celebrates and you even see her open her presents. The small square book is the perfect size for little hands to hold and turn the pages. The story is short enough for even the most fidgety children like Theo! Miffy’s Birthday would make a perfect gift for special little birthday girls and boys everywhere.
You can read along with this story and others on the Official Miffy Website. Also why not tune in to Miffy’s Adventures Big and Small? It's on Tiny Pop every day at 7pm.
Disclaimer: We won our copy of Miffy's birthday from Miffy's Official Twitter page and we have permission to give away a second copy and goody bag. As always, all opinions are my own, unless otherwise stated.This post contains Amazon Affiliate links, you can read more about what this means here.
