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Tag: school

  • A back to school confession: Giveaway closed

    A back to school confession: Giveaway closed

    I have a little confession to make. It’ll make me sound horribly lazy. Maybe even a bit cheap.

    Holly has never had her own childcare name labels.

    The poor child has spent a year in childcare under the guise of “Ella’’. Her clothes, her drink bottle and even her bag all have “Ella’’ printed on them. It’s become so bad the child carer admitted to often accidentally calling Holly by her sister’s name. Time to make a change, I think.

    With some help from Stuck On You, Ella has scored the most beautiful school library bag as part of the Stuck on You Book Pack (discontinued, but you can get the new Kids Designer Book Labels instead).

    Stuck On You AustraliaAnd, more importantly, Holly has a whole selection of labels to make sure she doesn’t start calling herself Ella.

    Here’s what I went shopping for:

    Stuck On You Australia

    Pack 0-5: These gorgeous packs include various name labels and a bag tag. What I love is how personalised you can make each item from colour, font and image selection. You can also match across different products. ($49.95)

    Stuck On You Smock

    Art Smock: Made of 100% sturdy cotton canvas, the Art Smock for Kids is exactly what we need for messy painting. With cream curtains, lounge suites and carpet, I’ve been making the most of messy summer days. Waterproof smocks tend to be too light and, therefore, fly about in the wind – often ending up IN the paint. This one is thick enough to protect the clothing and includes long sleeves with elastic around the wrists. I adore the image (we selected the cute ballet slippers) on the handy front pocket. ($34.95)

    Stuck On You Apron

    Apron: One of the girls’ favourite activities is cooking with mum. Ella has long had her own little apron, but it’s getting a tad small these days. So Holly gains the old apron and Ella a new one. Again, they’re made of 100% cotton canvas to protect clothing. Similar to the smock, we’ve included the ballet slippers on the cute front pocket. ($29.95)

    It means we now have a happy household. And we’ve decided it might be nice for you to have a happy one too.

    We’re giving away a $150 Stuck On You voucher, which will get you an awful lot from the Stuck On You Australia site. All you need to do is tell us a favourite school tip – whether for lunch boxes, covering school books or getting organised in the mornings. Let us know in the comments below.

    Terms and conditions: The Stuck On You competition will be judged on creativity and originality. The competition opens Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 9pm AEST and closes on Monday, February 4, 2013 at 7.30pm AEST. One entry per person. Australian entries only. There is one prize winner. The winner will be notified via email and name published here. Entries remain the property of Three Li’l Princesses and may be republished.

    If you would like to learn about more of our giveaways, make sure you sign up to our eNewsletters. You’ll also find more giveaways in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup.

    DISCLAIMER: I received all the items mentioned above. I have not been paid to write this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

    PS. Kellogg’s has partnered with Stuck on You to offer parents a $5 voucher when they purchase a range of Kellogg’s products.

  • How to survive your child’s school meltdown

    How to survive your child’s school meltdown

    cuddlesPrincess Ella somehow stumbled out of the wrong side of the bed this morning and from that moment till the time I walked out on her in the classroom, she continued to push buttons. And I’m not talking about her school uniform.

    She didn’t want to wear a jumper. She didn’t want me to take her to school. She didn’t want just one cupcake in her lunchbox. If only she didn’t want to whinge.

    The breaking point came when, in the middle of the classroom, she clung to my leg and told me she didn’t want me to leave – 15 times. There were no tears. No melodrama. Just quiet, “stay here so I can whinge some more’’ type of stuff.

    So, I gently pulled her off me, told her I was leaving and walked out. As I got to the corner, I peered back to see what she was doing, only to see her standing in the middle of the classroom, head bowed and bottom lip dropped. Breaks. My. Heart.

    A day earlier Nathalie from Easy Peasy Kids had posted Do you ever want to run away? and suddenly every word rang true. I wanted to be lying on the beach, good book in one hand, a glass of sav blanc in the other. And probably some hot guy fanning me with one of those giant branch thingys. Unless, of course, you’re busy, Brad. And then George, you’ll do.

    Instead, I headed home and posted this on Facebook and Twitter:

    “ Ella had a meltdown at school this morning (wanted her dad to take her, didn’t want to get dressed, wanted two cupcakes in her lunch etc etc). In the end, I had to walk out of the classroom. I’m feeling like the worst parent in the world right now. All virtual hugs accepted (bar sleazy, old men).’’

    If you’ve ever wondered the worth of social media, here’s just a taste of why it matters for this mum in particular:

    @RozBatson: Hope you feel better soon. Motherhood is all about guilt isnt it…. I am sure you did the right thing/only thing you could. :-))

    @Sar_Wah: I’m sure you did what you had to do, the teacher would be well used to dealing with those situations & Ella will learn from it.

    @katepickle: oh that is the hardest thing.. here’s hoping she was fine after you left and has a great day

    Seana Smith – Author: Hugs, hugs, hugs… all part of the tricky business of settling into school, setting boundaries etc etc Best thing to leave to experts and walk away but so awful at the time!!

    Casey: Oh dear! It is just awful how we beat ourselves up when we know they are struggling isn’t it? Big virtual hugs to you. Feeling yuck about it just means you are a loving, caring Mum – you are great! Xoxo

    Anita: Big hugs – as a school teacher (on family leave) I can almost guarantee that within 10 minutes of you leaving she would have been fine! Teachers deal with that sort of thing often and are good at the art of distraction! Xx

    Michelle: I just left my son crying at kinder I know how you feel and it’s not a nice feeling

    Beyond the Bump: huge hugs, if it makes you feel any better I’m in line for worlds worst mum today, had to walk out of kindy leaving Dex on the floor screaming because I forgot it was red day and dressed him all in blue. I feel so terrible that I forgot. I’m sure your little miss was fine just after you left.

    Angela: Big hug from me too Kel. I had been warned by a girlfriend that has 4 girls that a meltdown at some stage is very likely!! I’m sure Grace’s is just around the corner. You are a wonderful mum and I’m sure when you go to pick her up today she will bursting to tell you all the fantastic things she did today!!! Thinking of you xx

    Diana: Hugs x100. Some days are just like that. Eat as much chocolate or cupcakes as you need to.

    How can you not feel better after all that? And there was more.

    Tasmazia

    The day did get better. After I picked her up from school at 3pm, we headed for babyccinos and a chat. The root of the problem is not school. She loves going to school. It’s that she wants her Dad to take her to school. She agreed it can happen sometimes, but there’s only so many times he can tell the boss he was caught in traffic (he is the boss. And we live in Tassie – there is no traffic).

    Oh, and apparently her friend had chalk cake and can she have chalk cake in her lunchbox next week? Ah, shortcake maybe?

    We’re now friends again and all is well with the world. Apart from the fact the wrinkly old people sitting next to us in the cafe “shouldn’t talk with their mouths full, Mum. It’s rude’’. Manners, indeed.

    Have you experienced THE school meltdown? How did you cope?

  • This mothering gig is tough

    This mothering gig is tough

    School first dayThis has to be one of the most emotional weeks in motherhood. And sadly it’s only Monday. If only someone warned you it was like this.

    Last night was the first time I didn’t even attempt to breastfeed Li’l Holly before bedtime. I couldn’t see the point. It seems her days of boobie juice are now behind her. Give me the real stuff, Mum. I’d be OK with it if it was my decision. With Ella, I chose to start weaning her because I was finding it too difficult balancing it with work. Now, it’s Holly’s decision. And I’m not sure I was fully ready.

    Then, this morning, I farewelled my li’l girl as she headed off for her first day at big girl school. She got up at 6.30am, came bounding into the bedroom and asked if she could make her big girl lunch now. One day she’ll pine for those fully cooked childcare lunches again. For now though, a ham and cheese sandwich is just the most exciting thing in the world.

    When we arrived, she walked into the classroom and ran straight for the computer. Five minutes later, she was darting for her friends – to tell them all about her sandwiches, probably. There was barely time for a kiss and a goodbye. I guess I should be thankful she has readymade friends due to half her childcare room choosing the same school.

    As The Bloke in the Shed, Li’l Holly and I got back in the car, The Bloke asked the one question I hoped he wouldn’t ask: “Are you OK?’’ And then it started.  The tears fell. My heart felt heavy. My li’l girl. She’s all grown up. Fully independent. Gone off to big school. Doing up her own shoes. Organising her own lunch. Wiping her own bum. Well, that’s another story, not likely for the blog.

    I can tell you, it’s pretty darn quiet around here today…

    How did you cope on your child’s first day of school? I hear it doesn’t get easier either.

  • Back to school review and giveaway

    Back to school review and giveaway

    In one week, Princess Ella will start kindergarten – or, more correctly, big girl school. Since she began pre-kindy in October, I’ve been asked more times than I can count how I’m coping. Am I OK? Will there be tears? There were even tissues in the school book pack.

    For the most part, I’ve been OK. There were a few twinges picking up school books this week, knowing my little girl has grown up. Funny how it feels like only yesterday I was worried about how on earth I was ever going to get a onesie on to her tiny body. She’s still tiny, but oh so grown up.

    School

    We’ve been blessed that nearly half her class is made up of children from her childcare group. So, in effect, it’s like going to childcare – just in a new building.

    What I am worried about are the silly things, like: what if her school clothes don’t fit her on school morning? What on earth do you put in school lunch boxes? What if she doesn’t sleep well the night before, becomes overtired and turns into a feral child for her first day? That one’s probably the most likely.

    Some companies have kindly helped us in our quest to start school and are willing to help you too (even if school has already started for you):

    Nature’s Own Omega Delight gift pack:

    Natures Own Omega Delight

    Living in an island state, we are big fish eaters. So it was hardly surprising to hear Tasmania was one of the state’s to lead the nation in serving their children fish at least once a week. However, like everyone, it’s probably not enough. Do fish fingers count?

    We were provided with some Nature’s Own Omega Delight ($21.95) this week and I was a little sceptical of whether Ella would like it. It’s deemed a good source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, with the taste and texture of a smoothie. I asked Ella: “So, what is your opinion on the Nature’s Own Omega Delight Cirtrus Blast flavour?’’ Ella: “Yum!’’. “Hmm, anything else you’d like to add?’’ “It tastes like a milkshake,’’ she said. Clearly, one clever child.

    Most of us now know the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids in helping brain development and it’s something I’ve long been concerned about, especially in these crucial first years of life. Omega Delight comes in three different flavours: Pineapple, Citrus Blast and Mango Peach. Suggestions for consuming it include: on its own, in a drink or as a cereal topping. As an added bonus, it doesn’t contain any sugar, lactose, dairy or gluten. That sugar part is a big plus for me.

    For more information, visit Nature’s Own.

    Bright Star Kids Labels for Kids:

    Bright Star Kids

    We’d reviewed the Bright Star Kids wall stickers before, so we quite keen to see what the Bright Star Kids’ Labels for Kids were like. While the real test will come in the wear, within the Preschool and Daycare Label Kit I like how the name labels come in various sizes for different items and the iron on clothing labels have simple instructions (nothing complicated there).

    The school shoes are super cute, designed as little feet, complete with toenails. We chose pretty pink butterflies for the design and received a generous supply of labels that will do us well throughout the year. A warning: choosing just one design is pretty tough, due to the enormity of the range.

    The big appeal for me is the stick on labels are microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe, which makes them ideal for lunchboxes and drink bottles. 

    There are how-to videos at www.brightstarkids.com.au

    Budons Stationery gift pack:

    Budons stationery

    Budons is a rather cool kids’ stationery collection, that’s likely of more appeal to the pre-teens. Ella seemed to see the appeal in them though. The pencil case ($12.99) cleverly organises pencils to avoid having to scramble through what are usually loose pencils in the bottom of a case.

    The exterior has been well decorated (and redecorated) with Budons click-on characters ($1.49) – the Princess one her favourite. What appeals for me is being able to swap, collect and decorate books, bags and pencil cases with the Budons, as opposed to messy stickers. Oh, how I despise stickers? She also received a scratch and sniff notebook.

    It’s a cute concept and certainly one parents would approve of as it embraces different moods and personality types. They’re just a little funky (which is probably not the cool lingo to use anymore).

    Available at Target, Howards Storage World, Officeworks, newsagencies and other retailers.

    For the chance to win our $200 Back to School Competition, including:

    • a Nature’s Own Omega Delight gift pack (5 bottles),
    • Bright Star Kids Preschool and Daycare Label Kit
    • Budons stationery pack (pencil case, 3 click-on characters and scratch n sniff notebook)

    And runner up:

    • Bright Star Kids Preschool and Daycare Label Kit

    tell us in the form below: your tip for getting children organised for back to school.


    DISCLOSURE: We received a bottle of Nature’s Own Omega Delight, Budons stationery and Bright Star Kids Preschool and Daycare Label pack. All opinions expressed are our own. Terms and conditions: The Back to School competition will be judged on creativity and originality. The total prize value is about $200. The competition opens Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 7am AEST and closes on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 7.30pm AEST. One entry per person. Australian entries only. There is one first prize to be won and a runner up prize. The winners will be notified via email and name published here. Entries remain the property of Three Li’l Princesses and may be republished.

     

  • WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup #21

    WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup #21

    brushing teeth, toddler, preschoolerAFTER mistaking her teacher for the woman with the umbrella who flies, we finally arrived at “big girl school’’ on Friday for Princess Ella’s first pre-kindy session. While I suffered heart palpitations in the corner, she strolled in, threw her drink bottle in my bag and headed straight for the pretend play area to hang the washing on the line. If only she’d do that at home.

    This has been our big win of the week. To be honest, we kind of already knew there would be no tears involved. There were a few reasons for that:

    • Ella knew the session would only go for just over an hour. Although, she did plead for “just five more minutes, Mum’’ at the end.
    • Half her childcare friends were there. That’s cheating, I say.
    • She has her father’s confidence. While I struggle to make small talk (yes, watch out at the Bloggers Brunch next month), Ella will happily tell you her name, her age, her sister’s name and both their toilet habits for the morning.
    • Mums or dads (or in our case both, because The Bloke in The Shed hates missing out on things) have to stay with the child. And Baby Holly had a wow of a time eating the orange and green play dough.
    • Two days a week at child care has helped develop her social and coping skills beyond what I ever had as a kid. I recall tears on the first day of high school because I was the last of the Grade 7s left standing outside after the big kids forgot to get me for home group. (Just the thought of that is making my eyes well up).
    • She gets to do ABC Reading Eggs, which she is obsessed with. Except, after using my laptop’s touch pad, it was hilarious to watch her flicking her finger on top of the Apple Mac mouse and wondering why the cursor wasn’t moving. “Mum, this thing’s broken’’.

    Ella is not yet four, so obviously young in the eyes of interstate mums whose children don’t start for another year. Although, in the end, a large part of it comes down to the type of person she is. Clingy Holly may be a whole other story…

    Anyway, enough about school. Let’s rack up a few more wins for the week by clicking on the links below.

    If you’re a blogger or business wanting to take part in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup:

    1. Aussie Giveaway LinkupOnly link directly to the giveaway post/s and include the prize and end date in the linky tool below. Link each giveaway separately.
    2. Giveaways must be open to Australian residents.
    3. Grab the button to add to your post.
    4. A new list is added each Sunday so bloggers need to add their links weekly. NOTE: The linky will now be open until Fridays.
    5. Start entering the giveaways!

     



    Aussie Giveaway Linky
    Hosted by Three Lil Princesses



    How did your little one go starting kindy or pre-kindy? How did you feel about the experience as a mum?

  • Grateful for pigs breath

    Grateful for pigs breath

    cheeky smile by girl
    Ella's first day of pre-kindy photo. Hmmm...

    THIS week I’m grateful for:

    • Pigs Breath: After The Bloke in The Shed completed the Skilled Burnie Ten in 1 hour and 18 minutes last Sunday, we celebrated with a dinner at the local. We were wondering why Princess Ella was downing his calamari rings so fast, till we realised she thought they were curly fries from“pigs breath’’. I’m just grateful she got a good serving of seafood.
    • First day of pre-kindy: I could write a whole post on why Ella’s first 1.5-hour pre-kindy session today was so enjoyable for her. Ella was more than excited to go to “big girl school’’ and it was made all that much better when three of her childcare friends were in her class. That is music to a nervous mum’s ears. It seems school holds just a little bit of magic for her too when, prior to arriving, she started talking about her teacher who she met during the interview process. “Miss X can fly sometimes, can’t she, Mum?’’. Ah no, I think you might have her mistaken for the lady with the umbrella and flower in her hat.
    • Halloween help: Thanks to my Twitter friends (most of which I’ve never met but are always there when I need them), I have plenty of ideas for Ella’s Halloween costume for childcare on Monday.

    I’m joining with Maxabella Loves to share what I’m grateful for.