Sunday 30 March 2014

Happy Mother's Day!


I'm a bit ambivalent about mother's day. On one hand it is really lovely to have the kids make cards, give me cuddles and express their love, but on the other hand it creates an expectation that I will be treated differently. In reality I am still woken up early and have to spend the day looking after children (with some help from the husband). I fear that mother's day and my birthday turn me into a bit of a diva. I'm wondering where my breakfast in bed is, or my lie in, or a special treat. Why have all 3 children climbed into my bed and basically pushed me out?

So its time to step back and just be grateful for life. I have 3 special little people who shower me with unconditional love. Despite the lack of lie ins I wouldn't swap my life and I'm lucky to be able to have these precious children. I got a 'best mum' mug and I'm still optimistic that my husband will make a coffee to go in it. We'll have one of our many fab family days out and appreciate spending time together.

Happy mother's day to all of the hard working sleep deprived mums out there! Enjoy your special day x

Monday 24 March 2014

Are our children starting formal schooling too early?

There is a debate in the UK about whether the age that children start school or the kind of education they are getting is too young. At the moment children need to be in school by the term following their fifth birthday which usually means they are 4 when they start school. Arguments suggest that 7 might be a more appropriate age and that play-based activities similar to pre-school would be a better option for 4-6 year olds.

To be honest, this hasn't yet affected me much. My daughter is in reception class and is one of the older children. Like many of the girls she really enjoys reading and writing and is making good progress. From what I understand the boys are slightly less interested in academic stuff at this point, and most of them are younger than the girls. As I have 2 boys yet to start school I expect I'll find more challenges later on.

There is a group called 'Flexible School Admissions for Summer Born Children' which is working to tackle the challenges commonly faced by children who find themselves starting school aged just 4 and spending all of their fourth year attending school. (see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-25726538 for more info)

The 'too much, too soon' campaign began in September 2013 with an open letter in the Daily Telegraph signed by 130 early years experts who provided a range of evidence from different disciplines to demonstrate that 7 is the optimum age to begin formal schooling. This is in line with other European countries. (see http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/discussion/school-starting-age-the-evidence)

It seems that the recommendation is not necessarily that children are kept at home longer, which would have huge economic and social consequences, but rather that education is shifted to be more play-centred. It's all a bit scary for us parents who have children already in the system, but one has to hope that progress will be made in the best interests of future generations.

Let me know your experiences with your children starting school...




Thursday 20 March 2014

Happy New Year!


So here it is - this evening and tomorrow (21st March) mark the Baha'i new year. And, whether you're religious or not, who doesn't love a good festival? This one is particularly associated with eating, and we're planning lots of opportunities to eat throughout the day tomorrow :-)

I usually manage to stay out of photos (you can see why!!) but a happy Hastie family photo has to include The Mummy!

So happy new year to one and all xxx
-------------------------------------
Hastie family selfie out-takes:







Sunday 16 March 2014

My little helper!


For some time now I have suspected that my life would be easier if I had another pair of hands. The other night that was kindly offered in the form of my 5 year old daughter 'A'.

She offered to put her younger brother to bed whilst I was getting her bedding ready. I popped out of the room for a couple of minutes and came back to find my nearly 3 year old son 'S' lying on the floor with A changing his nappy! They selected some pyjamas, she dragged them onto him, and then he hopped into bed ready for his story. A read his whole story book, said a prayer for him and then tucked him in.

I'm hoping this is just the beginning of a new level of helpfulness from my lovely eldest. But, anyway they are super cute! (yes I'm biased...)

Let me know what your little ones have done to make you happy!

Thursday 13 March 2014

Spring is in the air!

H and S enjoying Whimple Playgroup

Astonishingly we've had more than a week of sunshine and good weather! Let's hope it's a sign of a good summer to come.

Next Friday, the 21st March, is the first day of the Baha'i New Year which also marks the Spring equinox. It's a lovely time to have a new year, as spring is beginning and everything seems renewed.

I'm not planning any new year's resolutions, but I am celebrating all the things which are brilliant about the sun shining:

1) The sun just puts a smile on my face!
2) It has been surprisingly fast to leave the house without having to put on thousands of coats, hats, gloves etc
3) We can go to the park!
4) ...and the beach
5) ...and play in the garden
6) It feels warmer in the sunshine that it does in my house
7) I can ditch the wellies and break out some cute shoes
8) Is it frappuccino season yet??

Share your sunshine happiness with me!


Monday 10 March 2014

I'm not boasting but...


...I live near to the seaside! So, on fabulous early Spring days like last weekend we can hop in the car and have a lovely day at the beach.



This is Dawlish Warren. It is a lovely place to visit on holiday. Nearby Dawlish and Starcross suffered a lot of sea induced damage in the recent storms, but they are getting back to normal ready for the Easter holidays. http://www.dawlishwarren.info/

Wednesday 5 March 2014

A nice muddy outing

Like most kids, mine have been getting fed up of being stuck indoors throughout a rainy winter and are determined to get outside. Both my boys were so thrilled at the prospect of playing in the garden for a few minutes but I quickly had to drag them inside as they were playing in mud and water. So, I dressed them up ready for a battle with some mud and we headed out to the park.

These wet-weather outfits are super-cute! Baby H toddles around with loads of fabric rustling, but my 2 year old does look like he's off to inspect a crime scene... Here's hoping that spring is around the corner and we can enjoy loads of happy days out!









Monday 3 March 2014

When do you get to sleep?


Yes I love my children dearly, yes I chose to have them, and yes I wouldn't swap my life... BUT when do I get to sleep? I think the husband agrees!

Here is my grumble in full:

1) There is no time to sit down and rest let alone sleep

2) Even if I could get chance to sleep, I can't find my bed underneath the giant laundry mountain on top

3) Even if I get past the laundry mountain (by throwing it on the floor) the sheets are grimy and wet from baby snot / dribble / spilled milk

4) Even if I put the kids to bed, throw the laundry on the floor and lie between grimy sheets, 3 little people will take it in turns to appear in my bed and gradually edge me out. I now understand the full meaning of the song 'there were 5 in the bed and the little one said roll over...'

Ah feel better now that rant is over :-)