Looking for ideas to have some well-needed self-care this Mother’s Day?
Mother’s Day can be an exciting but potentially overwhelming day. Whether you are busy preparing something for your own mother or mother figure in your life, or hoping to celebrate as a mother or mother figure yourself, there can be pressure as well as excitement.
Adverts in shops and Instagram posts of perfect Mother’s Day lunches and expensive presents can put unrealistic expectations on families. It is important to look after yourself, so let’s look at some self-care tips!
Ask Yourself – What Do I Need? Mother’s Day self-care ideas
As mums we can so often put our own needs last, we actually forget how to identify them! Take a few minutes to think, without any self-judgment, about what you want from your day. That could be a trip or lunch with your family, but equally, it could be a morning all to yourself. Tell yourself: whatever my mind and body need right now is the right choice.
Try Something Different
Not everyone craves bubble baths and long walks in nature (no matter what Instagram might have us believe!) How about some mindful colouring, watching a favourite old film, or throwing yourself a silent disco.
Do Nothing
When was the last time you literally did nothing at all? Try it for ten minutes, just sitting still without your phone or any distractions, breathing in and out, noticing your surroundings. If you’re anything like us, for the first few minutes you’ll be desperate to start the washing up, but after that, the feelings of stillness and calm can be really, really powerful.
Why Is Self-Care Important For Mums?
Being a parent can be all-consuming, and when you take responsibility for another person’s needs – especially if that person is a baby or toddler – it’s easy to forget your own! But self-care isn’t optional, something you might squeeze in when you have a spare minute. It’s a really important practice for avoiding burnout, exhaustion and even depression. Even if it’s just remembering to take a few deep breaths after you’ve got out of the shower in the morning, it’s important to build moments of self-care into your routine.
Self-Care Ideas For Mother’s Day – Look After Your Emotional Well Being
Maybe you find Mother’s Day tricky. If you have lost your own mum or for any other reason find the day emotional, make sure you take time for yourself, and talk to someone if you need to.
What Should I Get Myself For Mother’s Day?
Have a think about what you really want and go and treat yourself! Maybe something that goes beyond the usual flower arrangements or manicures. It could be something simple like requesting a lie in, or maybe something new to fuel your hobby, whether that be new herbs for your herb garden or some new supplies for your craft box. Maybe just try that new extra indulgent cake at your local café. Why not get a tub of your favourite body lotion, or some really nice stationery? Or maybe it is finding time to read a book from your “to read” pile.
Whatever you decide to do, we wish you a happy Mother’s Day and hope you have a fun day while being able to find some time for you!
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
We all know how important sleep is – both for us and our little ones.
The question of how much, when, and where can become a real issue for parents whose children refuse to go to sleep.
Parents should be reassured that sleep patterns change with changing routines and events in a child’s life and that children have very individual needs when it comes to rest and sleep times during the day.
We’re joined once again by the team at Family Corner (the family arm of the Early Years Alliance) who are here to offer expert tips and guidance for you and your loved ones. We hope that they help!
Tips For Improving Sleep / Nap Times For Your Child
Set a good example – the likelihood is that you need ‘time out’ to rest and relax during your busy day too. Try to make some time in the day to rest with your child rather than trying to get those little jobs completed whilst they are asleep. Be realistic about the tasks that have to be done right away and those that can wait until tomorrow.
On some days and in some situations, your child will not need to sleep but will still recharge if they have the opportunity to rest quietly when they are ready to. You could try encouraging them to relax in a comfortable place with lots of cushions, and perhaps some soothing music to help them rest.
Sleep should not become an ‘issue’. A child who is exhausted is unlikely to give in to the sleep that they need if there is tension. Even adults know that the harder you try to fall asleep, the less likely it is to happen, so having somebody tell you that you must ‘lie down and go to sleep’ is unlikely to achieve the desired outcome.
If your child attends an early years setting, talk to your child’s key person if you are having difficulty getting your child to rest or sleep during the day, or if bedtime is becoming a battle of wills. They may be able to offer advice, sharing their knowledge of what works well for others. Most importantly your child’s key person will want to work in partnership with you and will try to help.
Ultimately children are good at self-regulating when it comes to their need for sleep and/or rest. The most important thing you can do is offer a safe, comfortable and consistent environment in which they can do so.
Tips For Helping Your Child To Sleep In Their Own Bedroom
Once your child is old enough to sleep in a bed rather than a cot, you will probably be thinking about moving them into their own room; however, getting a young child used to settling down in their own bedroom every night can be difficult. Here’s a few tips for helping your child to sleep once they have their own bedroom.
Create A Calm And Inviting Sleep Environment
Create a cosy and comfortable space for your child to sleep in, complete with their comforter, night light and soft bedding.
Start dimming the lights, if possible, or turn off some lights in preparation for bedtime.
Introduce calming activities into their bedtime routine to help them wind down, such as reading a book, having a bath or singing a lullaby.
Keep their room temperature to a comfortable level as high temperatures can disturb sleep.
Gradual Transition
If your child is initially resistant to sleeping alone, you can start by transitioning slowly from your room to their room. Spend a few nights sitting with your child in their bed to help them feel secure. As they grow more comfortable, gradually reduce your presence until they can fall asleep independently.
Consider using a transitional object like a special blanket to provide comfort and familiarity during the transition.
Set Clear Expectations
Communicate positively with your child about the upcoming change. And explain why it is important for them to sleep in their own space.
Reinforce the idea that their bedroom is their own special place for sleeping and that they are safe and loved.
Involve them in choosing bedding patterns, or pictures to help them feel a sense of ownership for ‘their’ room.
Introduce Helpful Habits
Read your child social sleep stories, which help to explain why and where we sleep. These can be found online, or you could make your own, since everyone’s bedtimes look a little different.
Make an effort to keep changing into nightwear, brushing teeth, reading bedtime stories and other winding down activities strictly to the bathroom and bedroom.
Consider removing any access your child may have to electronic devices around one hour before their bedtime.
Offer a drink before your child brushes their teeth, rather than directly afterwards. The longer the toothpaste lingers in their mouth, the better the effect, so don’t be tempted to rinse it away.
Consistency Is Key
Stick to a consistent bedtime routine and schedule, as young children thrive on predictability.
Be patient when they wake up during the night. Try gently guiding them back to their bed without giving in to the temptation of bringing them to your bed.
Be a ‘boring parent’ before bed and throughout the night. By keeping your voice low and not engaging in too much conversation, you show your child that they won’t get the attention they are expecting.
Address Fears And Anxieties
Talk to your child about any fears or anxieties they may have about sleeping alone. Offer reassurance, validate their feelings, and find solutions.
Consider using a night light or white noise machine to create a soothing and secure sleep environment.
Show Patience And Empathy
Remember, this transition takes time, and each child is unique. Be patient and empathetic towards your child’s needs and emotions throughout the process.
Offer comfort and support during any setbacks or regression, reinforcing the idea that you are there for them.
By implementing these strategies and being consistent and patient, you can help your child develop healthy sleep habits and successfully transition to sleeping in their bedroom. Remember, each child is different, so adjust these tips to suit your child’s individual needs. With your love and support, your little one will soon be enjoying nights of peaceful sleep in their room. Good luck!
If your child’s sleep patterns become a concern, particularly if they are not sleeping through the night, talk to your GP or health visitor. This could help to rule out any underlying emotional or behavioural problem that might be affecting their sleep.
Early Years Alliance
For more FREE information, advice and tips on supporting your child’s early learning and development, visit the Early Years Alliance’s Family corner website. Family Corner is the family arm of the Early Years Alliance, offering expert articles, activity ideas and online learning sessions on key areas of child development such as learning through play, communication, behaviour, health, nutrition and wellbeing.
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
We love reading books with our babies and toddlers! There’s something magical about introducing our little ones to the joy of stories. From black and white pictures in board books to heart-warming stories, there are books for each stage of your baby’s development.
If you want to introduce your little ones to books in a fun and engaging way, then we really recommend checking out a stories and reading baby class! They’re a really popular category over on Happity.
Here is a list of books that we, Team Happity, love reading with our little ones.
For Baby’s First Library (0-12 months):
This is an exciting stage, even if your baby is too young to seem to respond to the words and pictures, they will benefit from hearing your voice reading the words and rhymes on the page. Looking at pictures, from black and white images in your first book to bright illustrations of books for older babies, this will be a great way to get your babies into a love of reading. We recommend board books at this stage, as these are hardy and can stand up to being grabbed by little eager hands!
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney: A heartwarming tale of expressing love, perfect for those cuddle-filled moments.
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell: Lift-the-flap fun that engages little hands and introduces basic concepts like colours and animals.
My son loves Dear Zoo, we’re taking him to the theatre to see it too!
Kate, Team Happity
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown: A classic bedtime story with soothing rhythms, making it a perfect addition to the bedtime routine.
Toddler Treasures (1-2 years):
Undeniably, It’s great to find recommendations of books when your children are transitioning from babies to toddlers. Now your little one will be interacting with you a lot more, you can ask them about the things they can see in the book, the colours they can see and enjoy repetition and rhythm. Lift the flap books are great fun to share too!
Guess What? Fruit by Yusuke Yonezu: Pictures of different fruits transform into animals with lift-the-flaps in this interactive book.
This was one of our faves…it was gifted to us by a friend – my daughter could ‘read’ this book at around 11-12 months old by signing all the animals!
Sara, Team Happity
Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill: Join Spot on a lift-the-flap adventure, encouraging interactive reading and discovery.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: Explore days of the week and counting with this beautifully illustrated classic.
Terrific Twos (2-3 years):
At this age your little one will be able to describe what they can see, and might enjoy joining in repeated rhymes in stories. Maybe you’ll both know some parts of their favourite book off by heart! They are probably moving on from those initial books for babies and onto toddlers/children’s books.
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson: A whimsical tale of friendship and teamwork with enchanting rhymes.
We love all of the Julia Donaldson books, especially Room on the Broom. My daughter likes to pick up objects that look a bit like brooms so she can fly around like the witch!
Helen, Team Happity
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen: Join the adventure through tall grass and squelchy mud in this fun story with repetitive text.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson: A clever mouse meets various animals in the deep, dark wood in this charming and clever tale.
Thriving Threes (3-4 years):
At three your little one will be telling you about their favourite characters in a more articulate way. Keeping this in mind, they will enjoy talking about what is happening in the story and how the characters are feeling, as you share stories together.
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell: A gentle story about three owl siblings awaiting their mother’s return, perfect for comforting bedtime reading.
Owl Babies is a big favourite in our house, I think all children can empathise with those feelings of separation anxiety and the relief when mummy finally returns! The drawings are lovely too.
Lisa K, Team Happity
Stick Man by Julia Donaldson: Follow Stick Man on his adventurous journey, encountering various obstacles along the way.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr: Join Sophie and her unexpected guest for a delightful tea-time tale.
Time to get reading!
Following our list, we hope you and your little ones enjoy these stories as much as we did. These titles will make a perfect addition to your little one’s library. Without a doubt, we enjoy rereading classics that we loved as children, as well as discovering new gems together, and seeing our baby or toddler’s enjoyment makes it extra special.
If you’re looking for something free (and you don’t mind exploring the slightly unfamiliar),then try having a quick Google search for free stories for children. There are sites like Storyberries that offer free stories with the hope of encouraging a culture of reading in families
So, grab a cosy blanket, get comfy and get reading!
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
Congratulations! You just became the newest member of our Local Expert community, and we’re thrilled to have you on board.
Over the next few weeks and months, you’ll be the voice of Happity in your local area, helping to tackle parent loneliness by getting new mums, dads and caregivers out to the amazing classes and groups being held in their local area.
You’ll do this by completing our Local Expert ‘mini-missions’, and earning rewards which can be exchanged for Amazon vouchers at the end of each month.
Here’s how it all works…
Your mini-missions
1. Tell us about classes
Rewards: 1 point for every valid class. A class is valid if it’s not already listed on Happity, and suitable for babies and/or toddlers up to 5 years old. Antenatal/pregnancy or postnatal classes are valid too.
How it works:
To check if a class is already listed on Happity, head to the homepage and search in the ‘Find a Class’ box. For franchises with lots of locations, such as BabySensory, you can check if your local class is listed on the franchise page (see an example here)
If we don’t have the class listed on the site, and it’s suitable for children under 5, it’s valid.
Find the email address of the class provider and their website/social media link, and send them both to [email protected]. You can send as many classes as you like at once. The provider’s email address will usually be on their website or social media pages.
Once we have your classes, we’ll double check they’re valid, and issue your points accordingly.
2. Tell us about venues
Rewards: 1 point for every new venue. A venue is new if it’s not already listed on Happity, is not a Children’s Centre, and has at least one baby or toddler class running.
How it works:
To check if a venue is already listed on Happity, simply Google ‘Happity + venue name’. If we don’t have the venue listed on the site, it is not a Children’s Centre, and it has at least one baby or toddler class running, it’s valid.
Find the venue’s website / social media page which lists the classes they have running, and send it to [email protected]. You can send as many venues as you like at once.
Once we have your venues, we’ll double check they’re valid, and issue your points accordingly.
Why can’t I refer Children’s Centres?
Make no mistake, we love Children’s Centres! Groups and classes which are run in CC’s are welcome on the Happity site, and we have lots of them listed. However, because their schedules change frequently (once per term or even more often), our admin team cannot add them as listings in the same way we do with other free activities, such as church groups.
3. Pin up flyers on noticeboards
Rewards: 2 points for every public noticeboard where you pin a Happity flyer.
How it works:
You should receive your flyers shortly (if you haven’t already)
Look for public noticeboards in your local area. Cafes, GP surgeries, Post Offices, community centres, libraries, baby shops and supermarkets are all good places to try!
Once you have pinned up the flyer, send a photo and the name of the location (e.g. Jenny’s Cafe, Clifton) to [email protected]. Please only send one noticeboard per email to keep things simple for our admin team.
4. Post in online groups
Rewards: 1 point for every post in a Facebook or WhatsApp group with more than 25 members. The post must abide by the group rules and be relevant to the discussion.
How it works:
Look out for discussions in your local Facebook or WhatsApp groups about things to do with babies or toddlers.
Reply with the link to happity.co.uk. It’s best to use your own wording, but things like ‘You can find loads of local classes/groups for little ones on Happity’, or ‘I love Happity for finding out everything that’s going on’ will work great. You could also recommend a specific class you love and link the class page on Happity.
If allowed by the group rules, you can also start a new post recommending Happity for finding things to do.
Send a screenshot of your reply/post, and another screenshot showing the number of members in the group, to [email protected]. Please start a new email for every group post to keep things simple for our admin team.
Your rewards
Once a month, our Local Experts team will tot up all your points, and issue you £5 in Amazon vouchers for every 5 points earned. Simple!
Any leftover points will be carried over to the next month: if you earned 11 points in January, for example, we would send you £10 in vouchers and carry over 1 point into February.
Let us know how it’s going!
This is a pilot scheme and we’re looking for ways to make it even better. If you have a question, suggestion or just any thoughts to share, please drop Helen a line at [email protected].
What kind of skincare routine can you fit in as busy parents?
When you have a baby, a lot of self-care that we had down before has to take a back seat. Our priorities become focussed on the little life that’s just come into the world. But looking after yourself, and making sure you feel good is still important.
To help us figure out how to fit a skincare routine in with a parenting lifestyle, we’re joined by Guest Expert, Jasmine Wicks-Stephens, founder of the brand Faace.
Skincare For Parents Kept Simple
I am not just a beauty lover but also a beauty professional of 18 years. So, when I had my first son, it was surprising for me that my good skincare habits went out of the window. When brushing my teeth even got bumped off the list some nights due to sheer exhaustion, I felt like what I was doing previously in my beauty routine, as well as what was out there, wasn’t realistic for me as a time-poor, tired mum. That’s when my skincare brand, Faace, was born.
We look at skin a bit differently than other brands. Instead of type – dry/oily – we look at lifestyle and hormones. From tiredness to periods, stress to menopause we understand that life and hormones can get in the way of good habits. So, have created targeted and easy solutions to help.
When it comes to new parent routines, these are my top five tips for helping yourself feel like you haven’t completely fallen off the skincare wagon.
1. Streamline Your Routine – Skincare For Parents
Time is a precious commodity for new parents, so simplify your skincare routine with a focus on minimal effort for maximum results. Prioritise the essentials – cleansing, hydrating and protecting. I like to double cleanse using a face and body bar in the shower and then follow up with a facial wash. I find a quick, but effective double cleanse at the end of the day (even if there’s no time at the start) leaves my skin looking a lot clearer.
Opting for multi-tasking products can help to streamline things (hence the face and body bar), and products that are safe to use on my eyes and face (the chosen face wash). Dry skin is never going to look its best and if you are feeling tired, that’s likely going to show up in your face too. That’s where a hydrating leave-on product from a moisturiser to a mask can help pep things up.
2. SPF Is Non-Negotiable
Sun damage is one of the worst things you can do to not only the health but the appearance of your skin, so slap on a nice lightweight SPF every day (especially if you’re finding you’re out walking more), this is applicable rain or shine.
I spent a huge amount of time out walking with the pram when both my sons were born as it was a great way to pass the time, get them to nap, and to make me feel sane.
3. Invest In Overnight Treatments
Maximise that beauty sleep (even if you’re not getting much of it as parents), by adding overnight skincare into your routine. Even if you only have time to slap on some SPF in the day, go to bed in a sleep mask that can be left on the skin and work overnight, delivering ingredients to help restore your complexion. Ingredients that work well on most skin types are things like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, glycerine, aloe vera and anything designed to nourish the skin.
If you’re worried about reacting with ingredients then do a test patch with a new product and potentially avoid or build up towards using things like retinol or salicylic acid – I find my skin can be reactive – so I like to opt for gentle ingredients. It’s also worth noting that your skin is going to be near your baby, so just be mindful of when you are applying your skincare to their likely routine (obviously I say routine in the loosest sense with most babies). And ensure that everything you use is safe for breastfeeding too if that’s how you are feeding your baby.
4. Embrace The Hydration
Lack of sleep and the demands of parenthood can leave you and your skin feeling parched and depleted. Hydration is key to maintaining supple skin. Try to drink as much water as you possibly can. You could also keep a nourishing mist nearby to spritz onto skin for instant refreshment.
Ingredients like cucumber and rosewater can feel and smell good, providing a nice soothing sensation on tired, stressed skin. I also bought myself one of those massive water bottles that give you targets of how much to drink by certain times, which I kept by my feeding chair as a reminder to drink every time I was feeding the baby.
5. Remember: Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
I really do know that this is easier said than done but try and carve out some moments of self-care. Self-care can look different for everyone. But for me, one of the things it included was applying an aromatherapy-based face mask and just leaving it on the skin. The essential oils are lovely to take a moment to inhale and take you to the spa. Even if it’s for just a second.
For you, it might be taking the time to make a healthy lunch, read a book, take a bath, go for a run, or whatever makes you feel better. Don’t stop doing it just because you’re new parents. Remember that looking after yourself isn’t selfish and benefits everyone in the long run. Whether it’s a partner, parent, or friend don’t be worried about asking your network for support. Even just an hour in the week to do something for you is an important part of new parenthood.
Hormonal skin is complex. Routines don’t have to be – Faace
As a mum-lead business ourselves, it’s hard for us not to relate with Faace’s origin story. Created by a new mum, when her good skincare habits and self-care went out the window. She came together with her industry peers to create an effective, but simpler way to look after her hormonal skin. Not to mention that she’s kept her brand vegan, natural and ethically sourced. AND she also gives back to period poverty and menopause organisations. They keep skincare simple, and do their best to do the right thing. What’s not to love?
Disclaimer: Faace have paid a fee towards this post. This fee will go towards helping more parents find classes and support near them.
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
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