A high percentage of kids participate in extra-curricular activities at their schools and collages. As parents we recognise the value these activities bring to our children (plus it gives us a little more child free time!). Besides being a fun way to spend their time, after school clubs and classes are great learning, growing, and development tools for young kids and teens alike. I've prepared a list of extra-curricular activities that can help promote cognitive development in kids of all ages.

Can you believe the school holidays are nearly over?! Remember back to mid July when the weeks seemed to stretch ahead and now here we find ourselves starting a fighting over a seat in the shoe shop and googling which lunch boxes are heat/water/yogurt proof - which may be how you found this post. Here are my top back to school essentials to ensure a smooth return to term time routine.

Little E turned 8 last month and there was only one thing she wanted to do for her birthday: Go Ape.

We have a Go Ape centre close to us at Tilgate Park, Crawley and the Tree Top Junior course is suitable for children over 1 metre tall. E had chosen two of her school friends, two cousins and her little sister to join her on the course. For every two under 6yr olds one adult is required to participate. As Little I had just turned 5 Husband volunteered to join in the fun. You have to pay for parking at Tilgate Park so make sure you have change and allow plenty of time to find a space as it can be very busy at the weekends and during school holidays.

I am a huge for of the Leap Frog range of products to help children learn to read and write. My girls have both enjoyed using the range to aid their reading, writing and comprehension. I have an amazing LeapReader system to give away to one lucky reader.

Little E turned 8 and Little I turned 5 last week. I kinda need to do away with the ‘Little’ now don’t I?! Perhaps just for E as I can’t cope with the thought of my baby getting big! Within the space of 6 days we celebrate the following birthdays: Both my children, my Husband, my StepDad, my Dad and my Mum. Yes. I am speaking the truth! The rest of the year feels like a holiday in comparison to that one week in February...

Requested cakes this year were ‘a brownie tower’ and ‘orange with a horse on top’. I think I nailed both and I actually got to bed before midnight so I’m winning!

Happy Birthday my beautiful girls.

 

To celebrate The Stamp Active Kids Corner at Stampex International 2019, the UK’s biggest stamp collecting exhibition, I have 5 stamp collecting kits for kids to giveaway!

Over Christmas we like to take the girls up to London for a special family day out. Last year we went to see Disney on Ice at the O2 which was great fun. This Christmas we were invited to review KidZania London at Westfield which had the girls hopping about with excitement! KidZania is an indoor city for kids aged 4-14yrs which blends together reality, learning and entertainment. During your 4hr visit kids can try out different role play professions from over 60 activities, testing their skills and having fun. Here's what we thought of the city run by kids...

First Wonder Boxes are the perfect mix of learning and fun. Each box contains a themed activity book to keep kids entertained for hours plus all materials needed for creative projects - the box even transforms into a game or activity too! Perfect for kids age 4-8yrs the activities are not only fun, they help to support Early Years and Key Stage 1 learning. Win win!

Keeping kids moving and engaged in winter months can be a challenge as it’s very tempting to just stay indoors and keeping warm. However this can not only make the children antsy but is also a surefire way of getting cabin fever for you too! There are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy and entertained during the winter months. These activities are the best ones I’ve found to bond with your children this Winter rather than letting them just bond with the TV!

As we creep towards December Christmas shopping is in full swing! Today I'm featuring my top picks for kids Christmas gifts which are a little unusual and will ensure excitement and smiles on Christmas Day (even from the teenagers).