Kids

Is it time to try an online school?

With many children struggling to study at home and doubts over September start dates, specialist ‘virtual’ schools are gaining huge traction - but what do they offer that’s different?
Parent ‘Lockdown learning’ survey – the results

Earlier this month we commissioned our own comprehensive survey amongst Muddy readers into Lockdown Learning – and we’ve been blown away by the response! Thank you to the 1200 of you who expressed how you felt about virtual-schooling, the difficulties you and your children were facing, as well as revealing surprise success stories and offering […]
The staying in boredom buster

It's a bit nippy for the sunlounger this week so head for the sofa instead - and get stuck into this week's best new at-home culture picks.
Kids driving you nuts? The best parenting books

And we all thought parenting was hard BEFORE lockdown. Jeez! We've got five brilliant new books that promise to help.
Living in lockdown with teens – eek!

Here are 20 things to do that might encourage your teenagers to get out of bed by midday – or at the very least by least by nightfall (fingers crossed).
Homeschooling: the Muddy inside guide

The kids are off school indefinitely thanks to coronavirus. You're at home indefinitely thanks to coronavirus. Here's your insiders guide to surviving homeschooling.
10 lonely walks in Northants

Day 1 of self-isolation and already climbing the walls? You can still get out in the fresh air and let the Mudlets run amok. Here's our roundup of the best walks in and around Northants.
Get creative! 5 fun at-home classes for kids

Stuck indoors? Internet to the rescue! We've rounded up some of the best digital classes to boost your kids' creativity and keep them engaged.
5 things I’ve learned about motherhood

Acclaimed author (and Muddy favourite) Clover Stroud is in the midst of raising her 5 children. Miraculously she's found time to write a book about it all. Here's a taster.
Easter activities SORTED!

Are you in Half-Term recovery mode? Now the kids are back at school (praise be), plan for an easier Easter with Barracudas Activity Day Camps – I reckon your ankle-biters will love it.
How to get your child to engage with reading

All the mums at Muddy HQ are struggling with this at the mo: how to get our little darlings to step away from the darn screen and read more books. What to do? We asked an expert.
10 of the best Half Term day trips

Got the half term cooped up jitters and need to get the kids/dog/parents out for the day? Here's our list of the best day trips (coffee and cake included).
Half Term S.O.S

Half term is almost upon us! How? Why? Need some school holiday action for your little darlings? Fear not, Muddy is on hand to save what’s left of your sanity.
Gotta Have It

On the hunt for something a bit different for your tot? Head down to We Are Pop and get totally inspired. Eschewing the pre-packaged, plastic, dull and generic: with kit this cool you’ll be wishing you were a kid again.
J’adore/ J’abhor

Parlez-vous teen slang? The language barrier has always been a problem when it comes to parent/child communications. Do you find the way your little darlings speak totally basic or, like, lit?
Pitsford School, Pitsford

Muddy says: A hidden gem. A very caring, child centred school with a balance across academic and pastoral care. Friendly teachers, happy kids and great grades make it a great asset to Northamptonshire.
Sloping off to ski school

Duck season? Wabbit season? Nope, it's Ski season so it's time to dust off those salopettes and head to, er, Hemel Hempstead
Your ultimate Autumn Walks guide

Grab your kids, your besties, your dog and anyone else who is free to join you on our first Autumn Walks initiative with Joules - and win coats and wellies for the whole family!
Back-to-school essentials

Holidays nearly over? Oh, what a *shame*! Sort your kids with our pick of everything they need for the new school term - and then it's a party round at mine.