Having moved from Scandinavia back to the UK, the biggest difference for families is how parents equip their children for winter weather. I’ve lived in Switzerland and in Norway, but it’s November in London or Edinburgh which truly chills you to the bone. Ask any Russian or Canadian – the damp, windy weather in the […]
Read More… from First out, last in – dressing kids in winter
Some massive controversies about skin cancer have been knocking about in the public domain. Studies showing sunscreen causing cancer. Studies showing that lack of sun exposure causes more cancer than over-exposure does. Studies showing that the higher the SPF, the less liberally it’s applied, so that the screening effect is actually lower than in lower […]
Many people solve winter with chunky overcoats. This works if your idea of a great day out is standing at bus-stops. But kids love a good run-around any time of year. And the younger they are, the more time they spend on the ground – inspecting leaves and bugs, comparing puddles, crawling through shrubs. The […]
Even in milder weather parents need to plan. Beach play, full-on water sports or long bike rides all require back-up changes of clothes. But don’t let that stop you! Life is more fun when you’re not scared of getting wet or muddy. But you don’t want to rely on a heavy back-pack either, and this […]
Nothing beats a refreshing dive into a crystal clear lake! But remember, all the conventional ways in which our amazing bodies regulate their body temperature are extremely inhibited in water. They’re almost nullified. That jeopardises how alert and strong you can stay in a cool river or lake. You prevent this by protecting your core […]
I raised my first two children in Norway, where kids are widely trusted with everything from knives to boats. My third child was born in the UK. The biggest shock for me, navigating British kindergartens and primary schools, have been the physical restrictions on kids. There’s a level of protectiveness which costs a lot of […]
