I always have a lot of questions about accommodati I always have a lot of questions about accommodation when we stay anywhere as a family so I thought I’d share this little tour of our room at @windjammerlanding which was a pretty perfect place to stay.

It’s the ‘Ocean View Two Bedroom’ which was like a little house, with an upstairs and downstairs, built into the hillside. Both rooms had outdoor space and their own shower rooms. Such a great option for a family.
A little photo dump from our holiday in St Lucia. A little photo dump from our holiday in St Lucia. We’ve been back a few days now but still miss the heat, the food, the pool, the constant sounds of wildlife and the lovely people. It was such a great holiday and I’m sure we’ll be back one day.
And just like that, Athena is 12! What a joy it is And just like that, Athena is 12! What a joy it is watching her grow and what a wonderful young woman she is becoming. We could not be more proud. Love you Pickle, have a great birthday.
We’ve just got back from two glorious weeks in S We’ve just got back from two glorious weeks in St Lucia staying at @windjammerlanding and it was just the holiday we needed. Two weeks of sunshine and relaxation in what must be one of the most beautiful islands in the world. 

We can’t wait to go back again in the future. Here’s just a little snippet of our trip.
AD - Press Tickets | We had such a nice day at @na AD - Press Tickets | We had such a nice day at @national_motor_museum despite the rain! The children loved the Little Beaulieu play area and we loved exploring the National Motor Museum and Top Gear exhibit before having a ride on the monorail! We went on an old open topped bus, explored the Beaulieu Manor House and loved the gardens. 
Beaulieu is always a great day out - whatever the weather. This summer they have a whole ‘Summer of Fun’ planned, with activities most days - parades, bird shows and hundreds of sculptures within the grounds too. If you’re looking for a day out this summer definitely think about heading to Beaulieu.
AD - Press Tickets | Tonight we took the kids to t AD - Press Tickets | Tonight we took the kids to their first concert - but it was so much more than just a concert! @abbavoyage is incredible. With CGI ABBA and a live band, it’s like being at an ABBA concert 40 years ago but with modern lighting, effects and sound. ABBA look and sound real, it’s a mind blowing experience.
The set includes all the songs you know and love as well as a few less familiar ones.
You can’t take photos during the show which actually made a refreshing change. A whole arena focused purely on the show and soaking up the moment. It’s definitely something the four of us will always remember.
Now, I’m off to sing Dancing Queen all the way home.
AD - Press Trip | We had such a great day at @phdo AD - Press Trip | We had such a great day at @phdockyard today. They have a fantastic Ultimate Explorer ticket that lets you visit all the attractions as many times as you like for 12 months - and after a day at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard we can see that you need more than one day to really do everything!

We explored HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Exhibition - which is incredible! We also saw where ships are built and restored and spent time in Action Stations where the kids climbed and did an assault course.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is such a fun, educational day out with something for all ages - we can’t wait to go on their harbour tours next time we visit!
AD | WIN!! Would you love to win a holiday? To cel AD | WIN!! Would you love to win a holiday? To celebrate #100YearOfARoads National Highways have launched their #ARoadsToSummer competition! It's all about celebrating summer holiday moments, time together, fun in the sun, days out and more.

So why not be in it to win it? To enter, all you have to do is send @nationalhways a DM on here with a photo or video of your favourite holiday moments. You can also comment on their Facebook or Twitter #ARoadsToSummer posts with your holiday photos. I've shared a few of our favourite photos to give you some inspiration.

The best six entries will each win a £500 @nationaltrust holidays voucher! SO what are you waiting for? Dig out your favourite holiday photos or take some new ones to share!

The #ARoadsToSummer competition runs from 24 July to 10 September 2023. Winners will be announced in September 2023.

Good luck!
Oh these two! Every day I feel lucky to have them. Oh these two! Every day I feel lucky to have them. As school draws to a close at lunchtime, I’m looking forward to a whole summer with them. My favourite people.

They’ve both had a great year at school this year. Troy’s first without his sister by his side and Athena’s first at secondary school. 

They both had great reports, always did their best and have made some really lovely new friends this year. I could not be more proud of them.

Now, let’s go and enjoy the next six weeks before school starts all over again!
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Guest Posts · March 6, 2023

Tips for Making Your Child’s Bedtime Routine Easier | AD

*This is a collaborative guest post

Bedtime can be a very challenging time for a young child. They don’t want to go to sleep, they don’t want to stop playing or watching their favourite movie, and most of all, they don’t want to miss out on any fun. 

However, once you understand why this task can be challenging, it becomes far easier to manage it. Like ensuring they have followed their bedtime routine and have their favourite pillows or toys. Here are some tips to help you create a bedtime routine that will work, no matter how badly your child doesn’t want to sleep. 

Tips for Making Your Child’s Bedtime Routine Easier

What Causes Bedtime to be Difficult?

While there are several reasons why toddlers and young children don’t want to go to bed, such as not having their favourite pillows or not being able to watch TV, here are a few of the most common ones. 

Over-Stimulation

No matter your age, sleep can be difficult if you have been over-stimulated right before. This can be from playing a game, watching an exciting movie, etc. Children are the same; it s difficult for them to fall asleep if they were in “fun and play mode” a few minutes before. 

Fears

Simple fears can also have an effect on bedtime. As children get older, their imaginations become bigger and more detailed; this is why so many children think there is a monster under their bed or in their closet. 

Wanting to be With You

Sometimes children just don’t want to be away from their parents, and they don’t understand that saying goodnight and going to sleep doesn’t mean they won’t see you again. This can be difficult to overcome, but with time, they begin to understand. 

Confusion

When a child is having fun, they struggle to understand why you are taking that fun away from them, and that is sometimes how they view bedtime. Going to sleep means they can’t play and be happy; therefore, why would they want to do that?

Bedtime Tips

If you are struggling to create a bedtime routine that works consistently, here are some helpful tips you can try and implement. 

Make it a Family Routine

The first step is to make bedtime a family event. While this is difficult with much younger children as they sleep more, with toddlers and older children, if everyone is going to bed together, they won’t feel like they are missing out on something. 

This will also eventually stop them from getting up and coming to find you, as they know you are sleeping in bed, and therefore they should be too. 

Bedtime Rituals 

Make bedtime a fun experience by having a few simple bedtime rituals. These can be the typical things such as reading a book, singing a bedtime song, or something similar. All you have to remember is to keep the ritual calm and relaxing. 

Tips for Making Your Child’s Bedtime Routine Easier

Keep it Short

Bedtime routines shouldn’t be drawn out or take longer than 15 minutes. This should include brushing their teeth, getting changed, and doing their bedtime ritual. Considering this is meant to be a calm and relaxed time, don’t let it become a lengthy activity. 

Be Strict

While there is no need to have a stopwatch and be a drill sergeant, it is important to remain consistent; most importantly, consistency between both parents too. Nothing will ruin a bedtime routine quicker than one parent being OK with the child staying up a bit longer. 

Bedroom Environment 

Much like adults, your bedroom environment can have an effect on how well you sleep. In your child’s bedroom, it is important to ensure the room is dark, toys aren’t easily accessible, and they have their safety item nearby. 

If your child is scared of the dark, opt for a nightlight over, leaving a door open. Also, ensure they are comfortable, make sure they aren’t too hot or cold, and make sure there is sufficient air ventilation, as this aids in falling asleep. 

No Technology

Technology should not be part of the bedtime routine in any way. The bright lights and sounds will overstimulate the brain and make sleep nearly impossible, and there is little chance your child will want to go to sleep if they are playing their favourite game. 

Instead, ensure that any and all technology is kept in the living room or in your bedroom and that it is out of reach of any prying hands. 

Tips for Making Your Child’s Bedtime Routine Easier

Make Sure They Use the Bathroom

One aspect of bedtime that is often overlooked is the need to use the bathroom. Not only is needing the bathroom a very common reason for people not to fall asleep, but it also gives your child an excuse to get up and wander. 

Instead, ensure they use the bathroom right before they are meant to go to sleep to limit any mid-sleep interruptions. 

Don’t Entertain Midnight Fun

Finally, if your child wakes up after a couple of hours, it is very easy just to invite them to watch TV until they fall asleep or something similar. While this may seem like the less-stressful option, it isn’t. 

Entertaining this type of thing gives your child a reason to do it more often; if they wake up, they get to do something fun. While you obviously shouldn’t punish your child for waking up, the correct course of action is to take them back to bed immediately and either do your bedtime rituals again or wait for them to fall asleep. 

In: Guest Posts

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Hi everyone! I'm Donna. Mummy. Blogger. Social Media Manager. Traveller. Lover of stars, rainbows and gin. Firm believer that tea and cake can fix most things.

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