![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/28f4385e-417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
⭐⭐⭐Get £20 off a week or £4 off a day using my discount code: MARIA20⭐⭐⭐
#BarracudasActivityDayCamp #BarracudasActivityCamp #BarracudaAmbassadors #SummerHolidays #SchoolHolidays #Summer2023 #SummerCamp #DayCare #Camp #KidsCamp #surreymummy #surreymums #SummerOfFun #ActivityCamps #HolidayCamps #Childcare #SchoolHolidays #schoolholidaycamps](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/5e860bed-353583570_625625966167953_545896259645102575_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/8aee7c64-353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n-320x320.jpg)
![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
#TrainLikeMessi #FoldableFootballGoal #FootballSkills #OutdoorFun #LionelMessi #LeoMessi #FootballAtHome #OutdoorKids #JustGetOutside #OutdoorsAndFree #ScreenFreeKids #WhateverTheWeatherKids @flair_gp](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/0977c2ca-341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/aa004e9d-337327232_3347621672145747_6958750057427557935_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD - Gifted]
Last weekend we were invited to try out @tsarettaspice’s new Bottomless Brunch menu and I can tell you it was thumbs up all round!
There’s a good choice tapas on offer from Punjabi fish fingers, Indo Chinese Chicken to Spiced Lamb Scotch Eggs and Manchurian Cauliflower (which was amazing!)
If you’re local to Twickenham and fancy giving them a try here’s are the details.
Tsaretta Spice Bottomless Brunch
⭐️£37.50 per head for bottomless Prosecco or cocktail of the day
⭐️£55 per head for bottomless Champagne
⭐️ Food included: 4 tapas selections and dessert or 2 tapas selections, a pav or naanwich and dessert
⭐️ Non-alcohol brunch is also available
Tsaretta Spice
55 Church Street
Twickenham
TW1 3NR
You can also read our full review over on the blog (link in bio)](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/d63fb514-333324764_3585822551653806_1461730182166520034_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/a8f9bd79-334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n-320x320.jpg)
![📚 Are you ready for World Book Day? 📚
[AD - Gifted] I don't know about you, but I have never made the boys a costume for #WorldBookDay. I just don't have it in me to be creative that way. Their costumes have always been bought or cobbled together with what we already have, and luckily, the school allow you to wear pyjamas to school, which makes things a lot easier!
M has been living in his @TheRealTomGates pyjamas recently, and I think he might wear these when his World Book Day dress-up day comes around (the school celebrate with Book Week rather than just Book Day)
The boys have been fans of Tom Gates for a while now. M has always loved reading books that make him laugh and contain humour - they tend to keep him engaged in reading.
Did you know that there are now 20 Tom Gates storybooks to get stuck into? Ideal for kids aged 6-12, the series consists of feel-good, hilarious books full of photos and stories about Tom's life at home and school. Best of all, you can read them in any order.
The latest book is Tom Gates: Happy to Help (Eventually), and along with the pyjamas, you can pick them up from @GeorgeAtAsda just in time for World Book Day!
There's also a range of Tom Gates items, including games, puzzles and greeting cards at major retailers.
](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/8ddc1d60-333834012_233243062459121_4168822235387052550_n-320x320.jpg)
![[AD - Gifted]
We went to check out the newly opened @laserquestkingston last week.
Laser Quest, VR Experiences and Arcades all under one roof means only one thing - bundles of fun and games for the kids at really affordable prices.
Laser Quest games start from just £7.95 but you can also buy a Laserquest and VR Experience combo pass.
You need to purchase tokens for the arcades (they’re all 1 token to play). Arcade tokens are 6 for £5 or 12 for £10
Feeling super lucky that this is practically on our doorstep and we will definitely be back again because Mr H came second in our Laser Quest game and refuses to be beaten by E!
Do you have a Laserquest near you?
#Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #LaserTag #ActivitiesForKids #ThingsToDoWithKids #FamilyFun #IndoorActivities #Kingston #DaysOutWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyFamilyDaysout #SurreyMummy #SurreyDaysOut #SurreyLife #SurreyMums #FamilyDaysOut #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #Familyof4 #Familydayout #Familyfunday](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2022/11/28c60989-316091191_1767700090262610_8985686719346908962_n-180x320.jpg)
Each evening on top of reading, (which is required by the school) E and I sit down together and I get him to practice his letter writing because I have noticed that he has not been forming his letters correctly (he’s in Year 1) and there are quite a few that he consistently gets confused with and writes back to front. We are currently on the letters “a,d and g” at the moment. He usually writes a couple of lines of each letter before moving onto a spelling test of 14 or so words.
I also have plans for him to practice writing his numbers as a lot of them are also written back to front and will also be introducing some maths too.
It got me thinking though… am I a tiger mum? Am I pushing him too hard each evening after his reading when he is probably already tired from a day at school?
Tiger Mum: is a strict or demanding mother who pushes her children to high levels of achievement
I’d like to think that although I can be strict, I also like my boys to have fun. We love nothing more than a fun family day out, and I love watching them run around in open spaces embracing their freedom or watching a movie or playing games together. Every minute of every day is not focused just on his learning and education, and we have consciously not signed up to any after school activities and not filled our weekend diaries with any other clubs. The only thing we do take him to is swimming, for half an hour on a Saturday morning.
Hubby and I both agree that we would not push our boys into doing anything that they didn’t enjoy and would very much like them to find their own interests and pursue them if they so wish.
I was chatting to a school mum the other day, and she seemed quite surprised that I was getting E to do this extra work.
I want to be clear though – I don’t do this so that he can be at the top of his class or anything like that. I’m just aware that with 30 children in a class it must be difficult for the teacher to dedicate much one-on-one time with each child and if I don’t help my child with forming his letters correctly now, it can only be harder to correct this further down the line and will also hinder is ability to start to learn how to join his writing up.
It’s also quite nice to sit down each evening and have some one-on-one time with E. It’s the time of day where we both sit together at the table to have a chat about his day whilst doing some “work” and of course on occasions when he is tired we omit the work in favour of reading a story instead.
E has always loved soaking up information and loves learning and is generally a very curious boy with a thirst for knowledge. Perhaps I am a little “tiger mum-ish”, but in all honesty, I think we both quite enjoy having this daily time together.
Yes, I want him to do well at school but above all else – I want him to be happy.
Would you class yourself as a tiger mum? Do you do extra work with your children outside of homework?
![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/8aee7c64-353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=V9rYJePpH0QQ7kNvgHcPSYH&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AYCjFyOkHOCHBI9BGRVDkwLKyZk5NxP3UffsnCpczwuZrQ&oe=664447F6)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/334067699_956216515750432_286974433888814683_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=fjtHVFRLNQcQ7kNvgEHRd1e&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AYDgezYOjcoS2P4Z0UvDOgG938IcyCAl63ryT2eLdFMX6w&oe=66442E6E)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://scontent-lhr8-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/334520323_227914339632366_7177231793717696790_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=glkIceq58TwQ7kNvgFivT_R&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AYBfD400-28saRTHass29GhoAjKmf9uzDRAth7BtIWL3Ig&oe=664415B4)
It sounds like you’ve got the balance just right! I think children should as you say be given space to pursue their own interests, but they do need to be nudged and supported too. If he enjoys learning then he probably loves this time with you, I don’t think you sound like a tiger mum at all, just one who cares! My daughter is only 11 months now, but hoping I’ll be able to find the right balance too #KCACOLS
Thank you – I think you’re so right. It’s definitely about finding the right balance! We don’t do any on a Friday or Saturday and during the week it’s just what we can fit in depending on tiredness!
Ahh thank you – it is all about finding the right balance and sometimes I do find it hard to know it if I’ve got it right!
My parents encouraged us a lot to do a lot of reading and writing before and outside of school, and I never saw them as tiger parents, but it paid off – we’ve all done really well academically, and have always been several years ahead in reading and writing at every stage. It sounds like you’re doing brilliantly, I’m hoping I’ll be able to do as well as you are when my daughter is older! #KCACOLS
That’s good to know! My parents were the opposite. We didn’t do anything extra work outside of school (that I remember anyway!)
That’s good to know – my parents were the opposite and didn’t have time to spend with us on doing any extra reading and writing as they were always busy working so I want to make a concerted effort in helping the boys as best I can and make time for it as I do think its important. x
I think i’m probably a tiger mum and my son is only 3 :p so maybe i’m not the best judge! I think you’re finding the right balance between fun and learning, why not help him to be better and improve? i think the alternative of having children feeling like they can’t achieve anything or learn is far more destructive! and in the long run he’ll thank you for it 🙂 #KCACOLS
I do hope he will thank me for it in the long run. It does benefit him at the end of the day after all!
He does seem to really enjoy it – especially when we do creative writing so I think we are going in the right direction!
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting your child to do well, as long as doing their best is good enough. I think its great that you do extra work with him 🙂 Thanks for hosting #KCACOLS
Debbie
Thanks Debbie! I just want to give him that one-on-one help that he may not be necessarily be getting at school but it is about getting the right balance though. x
Thank you – we do try and keep it to no more than half an hour and of course some night we skip it altogether if he is tired or we’ve had a busy day x
I don’t think it’s pushing too hard – if you wanted him to write essays on Chaucer every night, maybe, but so long as it’s geared to a child’s age and abilities I think it’s fine. 🙂 Marianna is too young yet but I do worry that I’ll be pushy. I was the most stereotypical ‘swot’ as a child and just hope I’ll be able to recognise when something goes from being something she wants and is able to do, to something she sees as a horrible chore looming before her, you know? #KCACOLS
I think as parents we’ll be able to recognise if we are pushing our children too hard (I hope so anyway!) I’m very conscious that I don’t make it seems like a chore and at the moment he seems to enjoy it so we’ll see! x
I think you will recognise if you are being “pushy” if you are already worrying about it! 😉
I don’t really know yet if I will be! I think it is hard to get the balance between challenging them to reach their potential and pushing too hard. I don’t think your letters are overstepping the mark, though! #KCACOLS
Ahh thank you. His teacher this week noticed the improvement in his letter writing so I think I’m doing the right thing – for now! x
Thank you! His teacher actually commented how much his letters have improved so it is working which is great news and I can see a definite improvement in his writing too!
My boys have just started school and I already disagree with the school. Why does a reception class need homework assignments? Shouldn’t the reception class be about teaching the kids through fun and play and preparing them for what school is all about and if possible even make them like school? But hey getting back to your question I don’t think you’re a tigerMum you just want what you think is best for your child. #KCACOLS
I agree I also don’t think reception class need homework. We are very lucky they the school E goes to is all about learning through play. It only now he’s in Year 1 that he has weekly homework but they do read every night.
E didn’t get any homework in reception but does get something once a week now he is in Year 1 and they are required to read or be read to every night. I guess it depends on the ethos of the school. E’s school concentrate on learning through play which I think is great as you are right children who have just started school don’t need to be doing homework!
This is a hard one for me to comment on as my children are not yet st school. I actually disagree in young children getting homework full stop. I think I would say is you know your child best and whether you think it is too much for him. #kcacols
You are very right Laura – we know our children better than anyone. E’s school is really focused on learning through play so although he has homework it’s only once a week now he’s in year 1 x
I know what you mean Laura – it does seem full on for young children to have to worry about homework at age 4 and 5!
I am not a big fan of homework in general but helping your children with a specifc area is different. As long as he wants to do the work and is happy then it isn’t a problem. #KCACOLS
Thanks Lyn! E does seem to enjoy the work – spelling especially but then I also oddly liked spelling tests when I was a child too! He must get it from me!
He is generally happy about doing it and when he isn’t we stop so I think we are doing the right thing! 😉
I don’t think you are a Tiger Mum! You are just trying to help your child to learn how to do his letters. He would probably have more fun doing it with you than at school. Y1 is hard as they are not in Reception anymore and they have more homework. It is not just having fun anymore although they do a lot of fun things too. I’m of the idea that you need to guide your kids to the correct path. Getting Bella to do homework is very hard but we try our best to encourage her to do it and to have fun with it if possible. My parents were very pushy my whole life and I never thought that was bad. That actually encourage me to be better!! Thanks so much for sharing this with us and for helping me with #KCACOLS this week. I hope you enjoy co-hosting the linky this week! 🙂 xxx
Ahh thanks Franca – there does seem to be a big jump from reception but E doesn’t seem to phased by this so far. I think we all just try and do the best we can don’t we?
Thanks Franca – I have noticed a big difference in the way they are learning compared to Reception. I’m not sure if any of this is to do with having a different teacher though or just moving up to Year 1. They seem to have less one-on-one time….
Tiger mum now this is a term I much prefer. Like you I too get Ella to sit down and do a bit of letter formation practice. Not only do we practice our normal lettering formation but we also practice any of the pre- cursive letter formations she has been learning at school. We also practice writing sentences and rhyming words. Ells is all for learning so she doesn’t mind practicing and while we don’t practice every day religiously she is still getting better at it all. On the days we don’t practice Ella will sit and read to Holly or they will just go off and play together . I really don’t think there is anything wrong with doing it and I always give Ella the choice. Xx #KCACOLS
I think letting them have a choice is important – then you can go by their lead! 😉
I don’t think you’re a tiger mum (what a funny expression by the way!). It is good you are helping him with his letters and numbers and if E is enjoying it then why worry? You are helping him with his education but this time is also a great opportunity for you both to chat and bond. I would say you’re more of a cat mum than a full on tiger 🙂 xx #KCACOLS
hehehe I think I prefer to be a cat mum – it sounds better than Tiger!
I’m the same as you do, I let Reimer practice his writing at home too apart from his homework. Is E left handed? coz Reimer is left handed and he tends to write back to front before but not anymore now after a lot of practice. I see myself as a tiger mum-ish as well, for the sake of my kids better future.
Yes he is left handed like me! Since I wrote this actually and because we have been practicing he has been doing this alot less now but he does still get confused with d and b!
We used to get the Tubblet to do reading, some writing and a few numbers as we wanted to support the work the school was doing. She is dyslexic so needed to work a little harder to catch up. You couldn’t get less Tiger Mum than me!
I have to say its good to know I’m not the only one that does extra work with their child. Like you say its good to support their learning!
I have never heard of the term ‘tiger mum’ before but I would not consider you to be one! I don’t think there is any harm in getting little ones to do a few bits after school, it definitely helps them (I was a teacher before having Mia) and if they enjoy doing it then theres no harm. My parents always made us do a bit of something every night so we will be doing the same with Mia when she goes to school 🙂
#KCACOLS
Thank you – since we have been doing it I can see definite improvement so I think it is benefitting him in the long run!
I don’t think you are a ‘tiger mum’, I think it’s great that you are able to spend some time helping him. I hope to do the same with my daughter when she starts school next year if there is something she needs a bit of help with. #KCACOLS
Ah I’d never learned that expression before 🙂 You are a good mum, not a tiger one 🙂 To me it sounds like you’re giving him the very best start and you’re doing it in a gentle and nurturing way. Mim x #KCACOLS
Thanks Mim – I hope he sees it that way too 😉
It sounds like you’ve got a nice balance, and no there is nothing wrong with encouraging your children, it shows you’re interested. #kcacols
You’re right there is nothing wrong in wanting to help our children is there? Us mums always worry about something though right? 😉
By the sounds of it, he enjoys that time with you too! I wouldn’t say you’re a Tiger mum, just using one on one time effectively. It’s not like you are constantly forcing him to do school work all the time! It’s about balance and you sound like you have it just right! Stop being hard on yourself 🙂 xx #KCACOLS
Ahh thank you Clare! We do like having that one-on-one time we have together in the evenings x
No, I don’t you’re a tiger mum. There’s a good balance and it’s good that you have that time to spend with him and helping and do things. I am the same too, we do a lot of work outside of homework as I can my daughter is enjoying it too. xx
#KCACOLS
That’s good to know – thank you!
My two are not at school yet but I like to think I’d have a similar approach to you. A part from anything it’s a good routine to get into. Further down the line they are going to need more of my time while doing their homework #KCACOLS
You’re right it is a good routine to get into and now without prompting E knows we sit down to read together and do some writing once I get in from work in the evenings!
Good post. Mine aren’t school-age but we often joke about whether we’re “hot-housing” Little Miss A with her alphabet and number flash cards…but she finds it fun going through them.
I almost think parents HAVE to be involved like this, these days, as teachers just don’t have the time to spend 1:1 with each child.
Thanks for co-hosting #KCACOLS
You’re right with 30 children in a class it must be hard for the teacher to be able to help each child and give them as much attention as they need all the time. Especially if they need help with something in particular so we do need to step in and help our child!
I don’t think there is anything wrong at all with what you are doing. Education come from school and the home but I think there can be the assumption by some parents that the school have got it covered. The teachers need support from parents and doing what you are doing is reinforcing what they are learning in school. As my parents keep telling me..at this age children’s brains are like sponges and will soak the information up.
I have been doing similar with my daughter in Year 1..doing her reading, practicing her spellings each night and also basic sums up to 10 to help reinforce the number bonds to 10 which they are learning in school (she finds Maths hard). We also practice her 100 high frequency word list and the spelling of these a couple of times during the week. She is happy to do all of this and we stop what we are doing if she shows any signs of fatigue or being silly/losing focus. We don’t want it to become a chore for her, so we do it when she is in the right ‘mood’.
I think you are right – some parents do assume that children learn at school and it is the teachers job to teach them everything!
There’s nothing wrong in making sure your child is getting things right, your helping. #KCACOLS xx
Thank you! We have seen improvements so it reinforces the fact that I am indeed helping which is good!
It’s nice that you are supporting him with his learning. As his mum you know him best. Miss M is only in Reception but she gets weekly homework that we do together and we practice recognising numbers, letters and sounds too #KCACOLS
Thanks Rachel – its hard to get the right balance sometimes but we will get there!
There is nothing wrong at all with helping your child. I always have encouraged my daughter to read and write after school and (she has literally just asked me for spellings now as a bedtime distraction!) now at 9 she loves to read and write all the time #KCACOLS
How funny! E loves spelling too and gets really excited by it! (I think I was the same when I was young though!)
I share your sentiments completely. If that makes me a Tiger Mum then so be it. Better than a lazy mum happy to let their child sit in front of a TV or gaming machine. He enjoys it, you enjoy it. Case closed. Keep going as it in the best investment in time you will ever make :-). #KCACOLS
Thank you! Best investment in time you will ever make – I like that! 😉
I think the one-to-one time is probably very valuable to both of you and as long as it’s something he feels happy about and it doesn’t become a boring chore to either of you, then I think it’s great. There’s definitely not much time for that kind of attention in a class of 30 kids! #KCACOLS
It is very valuable and we don’t get much of it usually with M running around the place so it is nice when we do sit down together!
As a year 1 teacher… I say well done!!! You are right, 1 teacher in a class of 30 is hard work. And when we have to teach up to 6 different lessons a day (Reading, writing, phonics, maths, science, PE, topic etc) to 30 very different students it is hard to give each and every one of them the one to one support they often need.
The school day is tiring, but if your son is happy to come and work with you then great. It’s when you’re dragging him to the table that you need to reassess. Until then, good on you Mum!
Wow that’s alot of lessons to get through in one day! He is generally happy to do it but we don’t religiously do it every night – it depends if he is tired (or me!)
I think this is great as long as he is happy to do it. It’s great that you’re trying to correct it before he gets older. If you ever feel it’s a bit much for him, maybe take it to every other day, but I think what you’re doing is brilliant. Ours are in a class of only 6 children per teacher, we deliberately drive a 10 mile journey to get them to this little village school, but the teacher rebuked me for teaching our Year 1 child at home. She was worried I would be confusing her by using ‘Reading Eggs’ we discussed some ways to work together at the last parents evening and she agreed to find out what ‘Reading Eggs’ was before telling me off haha. You are doing what’s best for your child, and that’s all any of us can do xxx #brilliantblogposts
6 children per teacher is a fantastic ratio! We use Reading Eggs too – I think its great!
Balance is everything. If children are sitting down doing writing or reading, they are not discovering abstract principles through play or developing gross motor skills other areas of their development which are also important. So, a time for everything and nothing dominating too much is a good idea. #parentingpicks
That is great thinking and you are very right about getting the right balance!
As you said, I think we just want our kids to be happy and if that means giving them a little push with some school “work” then so be it. You sound like you’re striking a good balance which is ultimately what’s important x #brilliantblogposts
Thank you Natasha – yes at the end of the day I just want him to the best he can and be happy! I think we all want that for our children!
It’s.early days for me but even now I recognise that I should probably have a little more tiger in me 🙂 I think approach is everything, you can make anything and everything light hearted and fun
Agreed! Making things fun is important as they won’t feel so much like they are “learning” I have just bought a small whiteboard and lots of magnetic letters which he is currently enjoying playing with
I think it all depends. If your son doesn’t mind and enjoys doing it then why not. For us (N’s in reception), he really needs to get going with it compared with some of the girls in the class, but we don’t get back from afterschool care/work til nearly 6. We have time (and he’s just about willing) to do his phonic worksheet 3 evenings that it comes home. If he doesn’t do it, he’ll usually do it off his own back in the early morning before I’m downstairs. But otherwise, he’s not really fussed, and I’m not sure of it enough with the new ways of teaching, not to confuse him with my way vs the school’s way. So we’ll just take it as it comes.
Taking it as it comes sounds like a good approach and the fact that he is doing it off his own back is great! I can see why you would not want to confuse him though too x
My son is also in year 1 and it’s amazing the amount of stuff they have to do. He is keen to learn so that is good, he loves reading and doing maths. We get home after 6 everyday so to be fair we are all quite tired to do a lot of homework, so I don’t push him to much
#brilliantblogposts
I have noticed a big difference now E is in Year 1 too – seems to be a bit of a jump from Reception so far!
I don’t think you could class yourself as a tiger mum. I do the same and work with LP after school on his reading and writing. I’m helping my child. That’s the only way to look at it. 🙂
#BrilliantBlogPosts
You are right – we just want to help our children don’t we? And at the end of they day it benefits them x
I know I’ve already commented but I wanted to pop by and thank you for linking up to #ParentingPicks! Mim x
I think you are right to help him, I do with my 4 year old, and I love seeing how proud she is when she gets it right. Like you, I’d never push her if she’s tired or resisting in some way, but a bit of one on one time can only be a good thing. Becky x #KCACOLS
Thanks Becky – E also loves it when he gets things right or has written/drawn something he is really proud of!
Thanks Lucy – its hard to know how much you should be doing with them and not get caught up with competitive mums etc and I don’t want to be too pushy and end up him not enjoying what we do. It’s a hard thing to balance (for me anyway!)