I’ve just been reading an article in The Guardian about whether mothers and fathers should have equal rights when it comes to parenting after seperation.

“Fathers and mothers should be entitled to a legally binding presumption of shared parenting”. From the article this appears to relate to certain rights post seperation including access rights, although the government is “not in favour of giving seperated parents rights to equal time”. This leaves it all rather vague as to what exactly they mean by a legally binding presumption of shared responsibility.

The article did get me to thinking about what happens to children after a seperation though, I would hate to think that this is a move towards giving parents equal custody rights to parents. I feel quite strongly that if a mother is capable of caring for her child and the child expresses a desire to be with the mother then custody should automatically go with them. Sorry, I know that might not be a very welcome stance for fathers but I do believe the bond is different, if you’ve carried and birthed a child then I do think you have the right (if fit and the child desires) to have custody over the father. That said, I do think we need a fairer more efficient system for establishing access rights and where possible I would favour an open approach, inviting the father to spend as much time with his children as he likes because I think in most cases it’s what’s best for everyone (not all cases!).

What do you think? I’m open to having my views challenged (nicely!)

Last week I was invited to the annual Toy Fair in London to check out what was new at Playmobil.

There were loads of toy buyers and exhibitors and a great buzz about the place. Playmobil had a large enslosure upstairs with all the upcoming products for 2012 on display.

Here are my highlights;

Future Planet

Designed for older kids – 7-12yrs – I could quite happily sit and play future planet myself. It’s based on a war of sorts between the ‘E-Rangers’ and the ‘Darksters’ set in the year 2113. They’re fighting for control of red energy crystals which basically power all the lights, vehicles etc.. It’s all very futuristic and ‘mad scientist’! I love the concept and the way everything works of the energy crystals, the headquarters even has a generator that works off solar panel – shine a torch to get the generator going! Very clever, a sure hit when it’s released in July this year


Summer Sports Playmobil

There was a definite Olympic flavour at the Toy Fair this year and Playmobil had their own range on display. The Summer Sports series features a number of Olympic eventers including gymnasts, weightlifters and swimmer.

Harbour Playmobil

For Erin’s age this is my favourite of the ‘New for 2012′ stuff. The harbour range includes a ferry, a catamaran, a cafe and more… I particular like how they double as bath toys. This range is out in February and aimed at 4-10yrs age range – I’m predicting that it will be very popular!

Football Frenzy!

Out in June football frenzy is a complete football stadium that folds neatly into a case. Complete with footballers with moving legs, goalies and footballs this little game is going to be really popular and I can see the kids being pushed aside by their over competitive dads!

So that’s what’s coming from Playmobil in 2012 – I can’t wait!

Last time I did things to do with kids in Wales, this time I’m back up the other end with things to do with kids in Scotland.

If you need accommodation in Scotland take a look at cottages in Scotland.

1. Glasgow Science Centre

A great day out especially if you have children of different ages as there’s something for everyone.

2. National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Newly refurbished, the National Museum is well worth a visit. It’s situated just off the Royal Mile close to Edinburgh Castle. Make a day of it, there’s plenty to see and do over the five levels – and it’s free.

3. Royal Yacht Brittania

If you’re a bit of a Royalist then the Royal Yacht is fascinating. Even if you’re not the kids will love seeing where the Queen and staff slept while aboard.

4. Museum of Childhood, Royal Mile

Another free museum, the Museum of Childhood is on the Royal Mile so combine with the National Museum for a fully free day out. The kids will love seeing all the toys from olden days through to the current gadgets they love today.

5. Ski-ing/Snowboarding

Visit the dry slope at Hillend, just outside Edinburgh. Or if you’re feeling brave go and find the real stuff in Aviemore or Glenshee

6. Ratho Climbing Centre

Fancy trying rock climbing? Try out your skills at Ratho climbing centre where you can climb real and artificial rock faces.

7. Scotland’s Museum of Transport

We haven’t visited yet but they’ve spent £85m refurbishing it so it’s definitely on the agenda.

8. Strathclyde Country Park

It’s not Alton Towers but it still makes for a good day out if the weather’s fine.

9. Winter Wonderland at Christmas

Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay Festival is always growing and this year’s Winter Wonderland was the biggest yet. I know most cities have a Winter Wonderland but the back drop of Edinburgh Castle adds a little something special to Edinburgh’s!

10. Fringe Festival in Summer

A lot of people think the Fringe Festival is just for adults – actually there’s tons for kids and even if you just go up to the Royal Mile and see the street acts it’s a great afternoon out. If you can afford Tattoo tickets then go for it – perfect for older kids!

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We’re lucky to have family to stay with in Wales when we visit, but check out these cottages in Wales if you don’t have a base.

And when you’re there this is what I recommend.

1. Dan yr Ogof Caves

We took Erin to the caves last year. The ticket includes a number of other attractions which includes a small petting off so a great place to take a picnic and stay all day.

2. LC2

LC2 is the newly refurbished leisure centre in Swansea. The waterpark is a must visit, you can learn to indoor surf! Perfect for a rainy day which you have plenty of in Wales!

3. Techniquest

I visted Techniquest when it was first opened, which was, ummm..well quite a lot of years ago. If you’re kids like science and pressing buttons and seeing how things work then definitely pay a visit.

4. Tenby

Tenby’s a lovely seaside town, perfect for a pub lunch and a wander.

5. Plantasia

I have fond memories of visiting Plantasia, which is an indoor botanical centre with plants from around the world. They also have fish, reptiles and insects.

6. Mumbles

You can’t beat a wander around the seaside town of Mumbles if the weather’s nice. Wander up to the pier past the crazy golf but don’t forget to walk all the way back and far enough to get a Joe’s ice cream. Delish!

7. See The Swans Play

Go and see the newly promoted premiership team play at their home ground The Liberty Stadium. Only premiership side in Wales, sorry Cardiff.

8. The Gower Heritage Centre

There’s always lots on to do at the Gower heritage centre including daily puppet shows, crafts and pottery.

9. Margam Park

If you’re into outdoor pursuits then visit Margam Park where they have tons of stuff including a Go Ape! Highwire Adventure

10. Treasure Trails

Never done this one but was recommended on Twitter – Treasure Trails – over 900 trails around the UK!

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Is it me or did the Christmas holidays drag on a bit? Don’t get me wrong they were good but…well…maybe a week too long!

We had a great time though, we had Christmas Day with my family and then the evening and New Year’s Day with Alex’s family. Unfortunately Alex had to work quite a bit but we made the best of the time he was off, taking Erin to a Scottish Ballet workshop on one of the days.

Erin also spent time with both the grandparents and I learned to do a bit of this.

By the time it was Back to School I think we were both ready for it. The week before we were sent some new school uniform to review from Trutex. I’ve tried everywhere when it comes to school uniform – Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Next, Matalan…. Tesco and Sainsbury’s are the best in my opinion. Marks and Spencer failed spectacularly when their cardigans went all misshapen in the wash, tsk.

When I first opened the package from Trutex my first impressions of the skirt and pinafore were that they were a bit thin. On further inspection the material actually looks to be quite durable, and it’s soft with a bit of stretch which makes it all really comfy. We like comfy here. The sweaters and cardigans are also very thick, perfect for a Scottish Winter.

Overall we were very pleased…even Erin was thrilled to be going back to school as you can see from the picture. A definite ‘Back to School’ face that one!

Christmas was pretty hectic with Alex working many of the days, however we did have a couple of respite days in between Christmas and New Year and on one of our days off we took Erin along to a ballet workshop at the newly refurbished museum of Scotland. Incidently the museum looks amazing, and it’s free, so well worth a visit if you’re in town.

We headed up to the learning centre where the Scottish Ballet were running workshops for girls and boys 3-9yrs. The one we were at was pretty busy with not far off twenty little girls (no boys at this one), some sporting ballet shoes and leotards, others like Erin were just in comfortable clothes.

The workshops are designed to encourage the children to listen and respond to music and are accompanied by a keyboardist and a variety of other instruments. It was obvious that many of the girls were already at ballet classes but ballet experience wasn’t necessary.

I didn’t sit in on the workshop too long as I didn’t want to put them off but what I saw looked fun. The girls were all pretending to be different characters and jumping and creeping – all were having a really good time.

At £6 for an hour I would definitely check out the workshops – the last lot were advertised on the museum website.

Guest post by Kizzy

If you are like me, just simply seeing a Gingerbread house signifies that Christmas is here! So if you fancy making your very  own Gingerbread house and even get your little ones involved too then why not watch the video below and make your own!

I always thought that it would be a really hard project to undertake with my children let alone on my own but after watching the full video, it seems to be a lot easier than I thought.

You can make the house as big as you want and decorate it in whatever sweets and icing you like. They make a great table centrepiece and  this could be something you take into consideration when decorating it to tie it in with the rest of your tableware.

The great thing about making a gingerbread house is it can be a great activity you do with your children. Other than the size of the panels of the house you don’t need to be that accurate and you can use whatever extra’s you want to add to your house. I love the welcome mat and the snowman that is used on the video!

So if you want to occupy your children for a few hours then why not have a go at making one of these super wintry gingerbread houses and let your imaginations run wild!

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Feeling a bit sentimental today so I’m posting this video. My friend Tara made it – it’s all about what makes a great mum.

It was that exciting time of the year again – time to clear out the kitchen cupboards. I always end up finding three jars of something I don’t need and then I have to go searching for recipes to use up said ingredients, last year it was cumin..this year it was cocoa.

I found a recipe for Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. I enolled Erin’s help, I’m pretty proficient in the cooking department but baking is a different story.

Erin took control of the actual ingredients, I just collected what we needed. I figured this was the best strategy, if they turned out well we’d have something yummy for our walk. If they didn’t we could blame her for the baking #fail – it’s a harsh regime we’re running here

From my minimal experience in the baking department I think we were making some sort of batter type mix with chilli. I won’t lie I was a bit sceptical.

Once Erin had done her bit we popped them in the oven and got ready for our walk. I was testing out my new Hi-Tec walking boots. I’ve got hunter wellies for bad snow, hi-tec moritz boots for medium snow, and Uggs for -it’s bloody freezing but it’s not snowing yet- we get a lot of bad weather where we live, three pairs of boots is definitely not a luxury. My feet won’t see any other sort of footwear until at least late March now. This was the snow last year! I can happily recommend the Hi-Tec Moritz boots they’re warm and comfortable, perfect for ‘southern snow’ ahem, but would be fine for the hardier stuff we get up here

Back to the baking and we made some vanilla cream to go with the cupcakes – which I should mention aren’t cupcakes in the sense we understand cupcakes, more a pudding that requires a spoon. Alex made a flask of his amazing coffee (I don’t know how he does it – he uses the same coffee as I do!) and we headed for a local walk through a country park with the dog. We stopped at a nice picnic spot to have our puddings which were really good washed down with some of the coffee. We had a lovely afternoon, something we should do more often!

Gone are the days where you only had a select choice of prams and pushchairs and the ones that where available where big and bulky and you struggled to get into shops!

There is so much choice it can be hard to choose what is right for you and your family. There are so many styles from travel systems to prams to three wheeled pushchairs, the list is endless! But it is an important decision to make.

So how do you go about choosing which one is best for you? Here are a list of things to consider when choosing your babies mode of transport.

• Family Life. Whether it is your first or third, you need to take into consideration how and where you will be using it. If you walk a lot, you will need something that is strong and has good suspension. If you use public transport  you need to find a model that is lightweight and collapses easily. Another thing to consider is the size of your boot if you will be taking it with you in the car.
• Design. Having a pram or pushchair that looks pretty is great but not if it is not designed very well. You need to look for the quality of the product and innovative designs newer models have to make life easier.
• What Age Range.  Not all pushchairs are suitable for newborns so if this is the age you are wanting to start using it then you need to check this out.
• Accessories. Some pushchairs and prams will come with a selection of accessories including a rain cover but others you will have to buy separately.
• Seat Positions. Do you want your little one to lay completely flat when they are little? Well  prams  are the main option for this. If not you will need to consider if you can you adjust the position and direction the seat is facing? This is important as when your baby is little it is great for you to be able to see them. But once they are becoming more aware of their environment it is great to be able to turn them to face the world.
• Only One. Are you hoping to only buy one to last? Well you may want to consider who sturdy the design is and how it can adapt as your baby grows into a toddler.

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