All Posts By

Mamma Fairy

Features

Getting The Right Work-Life Balance When Running A Home Business

When running a business from home, the boundaries between work life and home life can start to blur. This can disrupt the balance between work and home life, preventing you from truly concentrating on your work and preventing you from relaxing when you want to enjoy family time. To help you get the right balance, here are a few tips.

Create a designated home office space

A designated office space can help you to get into the zone when working. You don’t have to convert a whole room into a home office – you could simply set up a desk in the corner of one room. Ideally, it should be somewhere that you’re not going to get distracted by the rest of your family. The corner of a living room for instance is likely not suitable – especially if you’ve got kids or a partner watching TV in the same room.

Allocate hours for work life and hours for home life

You can further separate your work life and home life by trying to stick to a schedule wherever possible. Having a cut-off point in the evening can ensure that you still spend time with your family. If you need to work late to finish a project, consider still sparing a couple hours to have an evening together and then stay up afterwards to knuckle down and complete the work.

Turn off your work phone out of work hours

So that you’re not tempted to answer work calls during relaxation time, it could also be worth getting yourself a separate phone for work that you can then turn off when not working. Being able to disconnect is important – if you’re always on call, you’ll never feel as if you can truly relax.

Take advantage of outsourcing and automation

If you’re not spending enough time with your family, consider where there are ways to outsource and automate tasks in order to reduce time spent carrying out business tasks. Certain processes such as accounting are definitely worth outsourcing or automating – companies like mneaccounting.co.uk can offer more information on outsourcing this role. You may also be able to outsource and automate elements of marketing, on top of other tasks such as replying to emails and answering the phone.

Legally and financially separate your home and business life

It’s worth financially and legally separating your home and business life. Make sure that you have a separate business account and personal account – you should aim to pay yourself a wage out of that business account to your personal account, while keeping some funds set aside for business purposes. On top of keeping funds financially separate, you should consider converting your business into a limited company. This ensures that your personal funds and assets aren’t liable if you owe business debt (and vice versa). You can find out more information on this here at investopedia.com. 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Features

Building A Positive Relationship With Your Spouse

Relationships need a great deal of nurturing to keep them healthy. Unfortunately, with life’s pressures, it can become challenging to keep up with the nurturing bit.   That said, here are a few ideas on how to do it for your consideration.

  • Adjust your expectations

couple

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Arguably, most people who fall in love tend to do so when some of their expectations are met. However, you can never fully know the person you fall in love with until you’re faced with a situation and then realise that the person doesn’t possess all the ‘specifications’ you desired. It’s why relationship experts always recommend adjusting your expectations where your spouse is concerned. The truth is, relationships change, and the two of you are no different.

Marriage is not a lifetime of the honeymoon phase, and that is the first thing you must acknowledge. You will lose some of the spontaneity you both enjoyed in the early days of your relationship. It is normal for that to happen, but the tip here is not to normalise it because it could lead to indifference and a possible breakdown of the relationship. The bond you share with your spouse is like a seed that needs careful watering to blossom into the beautiful flower you both desire.

  • Acknowledge and celebrate anniversaries

Most of the time, men are the main culprits where forgotten anniversaries are concerned. For whatever reason, wives remember birthdays, anniversaries, etc., most of the time. The truth is, no matter who remembers it first, the most important thing is to make the period count. You can start by reaffirming your love for each other (no guests needed). In that case, you can exchange gifts that signify your love for each other, and the historically backed white gold emerald Claddagh ring is an excellent example for your spouse. That can become your love symbol of renewal. 

  • Create rituals

What do you do when there are kids in the picture, coupled with busy work schedules on both ends? This is where you need creativity. Creating rituals in your relationship means taking deliberate steps to nurture and cement the bond. This can be in the form of a monthly date, weekend breakfast in bed, or an annual vacation for just the two of you.

A daily goodbye kiss before and after work, or a monthly couples massage, can improve intimacy and closeness. The secret about these rituals is to be deliberate about them to create or enhance stability in the home. Before you know it, both of you will begin to look forward to these rituals. Even better, you’ll both become interested in creating new rituals.

No great spousal relationship works out on its own. It takes a great deal of effort for the parties involved to remain positive and committed to each other. Hopefully, you can do the same.

Note: This is a collaborative post  

Fairy Travels

Finland travel restrictions update

reindeer in Finland

Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog

We have been to Lapland (Rovaniemi- Finland) twice and are still cautiously optimistic about our trip at the end of January 2021. My post on diy Lapland still gets huge traffic as does my dressing for Lapland post. I get a lot of DMs and emails asking whether I think we will be able to travel this Winter season and the truth is none of us really know. It’s a constantly evolving situation and can be difficult to keep on top of the changing situation. As it stands (end September 2020) I have set out what the current situation is looking like. I will do my best to keep it updated as time goes on but please always rely on the official advice. I will set out the key websites below.

Finland Travel restrictions 

Post November 23rd

  • If your home country has less than 25 cases per 100,000 you can travel with no restrictions.
  • Greater than 25 cases the following are the key parameters:
    • If your visit is less than 72 hours you can travel with proof of negative test which itself is no older than 72 hours.
    • If your visit it more than 72 hours the above applies plus you will need a second test locally after 72 hours and self quarantine until you get the results.  The logistics around this are still being firmed up but this is the indicative guideline at the moment.

Continue Reading

Mamma Musings

Craft ideas to try with your kids this autumn

Arts and crafts have been growing in popularity for years thanks to the increasing ease of access to materials and kits, the variety of options for crafting, and the multitude of benefits they’ve been shown to bring. It’s also a lot of fun! 

painting

Pic Credit: Pixabay

If you’re looking for some ideas of constructive activities you can do at home with your children, why not give crafting a go? There are so many different styles out there; you’re sure to find something that the whole family can enjoy, however old they are. Read on for some interesting and unique autumn-themed project ideas!

Benefits of crafting

It’s widely known that crafting can have a positive effect on our mental and physical health, and this is true for both adults and children of all ages. Here are a few of the benefits you can all hope to enjoy as you create:

  • Reduced stress and increased relaxation – similar to meditation, when you become immersed in art and creativity, your mind is better able to move away from worries and anxious thoughts
  • Improved motor skills – by working on hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
  • Increased confidence – from both completing projects, and learning that it’s ok to experiment and make mistakes
  • Better mental agility – encouraging your brain to think in new ways and try new things helps keep it in top shape
  • Boosted creativity – the more you use your creativity, the more it will grow, and it’s a skill that is useful in all areas of our lives

If this has piqued your interest, you’ll be glad to know that it’s very easy to get started with arts and crafts. The internet is full of how-to videos and articles, and you can get all the supplies that you need online from websites like reallymaria.com. 

Autumnal craft ideas to try

  • Autumn leaf suncatchers: this simple craft project is ideal for younger children, and makes for a lovely and colorful addition to your window
  • Pinecone owls: these are perfect for getting your kids out in nature, and the resulting owls (or other animals) are adorable
  • Pom pom pumpkins: these fluffy pumpkins only need wool, scissors and a stick, but the result is a fabulously unique Halloween decoration
  • Paper ball bats: another great choice for Halloween, these cute bats are quick and easy to create with kids of all ages
  • Autumn leaf bookmarks: these easy-to-make creations encourage both creativity and reading – what’s not to like?
  • Back-to-school bag tags: help your kids personalize their school bags with these DIY charms, that they can customize however they like
  • Fairy leaf puppets: great for older children, these fairies are a bit more complex to make and full of enchantment
  • Autumn leaf dinosaurs: yes, there’s a lot you can do with leaves! This creation is perfect for kids who love Jurassic Park 
  • Painted acorns: this also gets the kids outside, and the result is genuinely pretty
  • Simple black cat papercraft: this is as easy to make as the name suggests, and is great for Halloween or all year round if you’re a cat lover
Note: This is a collaborative post
Mamma Musings

Five time-saving tips for busy mammas

notebook

Pic Credit: Pixabay

It’s widely accepted that parenting is the hardest job we’ll ever do in life – while also being the most rewarding. However, finding time to juggle all of life’s responsibilities can often feel an insurmountable challenge. Staying on top of your work, spending time with friends, socialising, visiting extended family, doing the household shop . . . they all take time and place demands on parents already busy looking after young ones. 

Finding ways to save time will help you relax more and relieve the stresses of everyday life. Here are five ways you could free up more of your day and put your time to better use.

Plan the clothing you’ll wear that week 

On a Sunday evening, take a moment to plan the outfits you’ll wear that week – everything from your shoes to your dresses and accessories. Most people aren’t at their best in the morning and you’ll likely have a hard enough time trying to get your kids awake, washed and ready – never mind trying to look after yourself. By working out what you’re going to wear that coming week, you’ll save yourself considerable time and stress each day.  

Agree a schedule and rules – and stick to them 

kettle

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Spend some time working out a household schedule and rules that work for everyone – you, your partner (if you have one) and your kids. If everyone already knows the rules, you’ll spend far less time discussing or arguing what can and can’t be done.

For example, having a fixed time for dinner lets kids know they can’t stay out late after school playing. Agreeing when your kids need to go to bed will also save you countless arguments at night. Even things like agreeing on the bathroom schedule in the mornings can save pointless quarrels (particularly with teens). As a rule, kids work better to schedules and if they already know the rules, they’re far less likely to break them. 

Order food in, once in a while

As a parent, you’re likely not keen on feeding your kids the typical junk food served by burger or pizza takeaways but there is now a huge range of pre-made, gourmet meals available which are suitable for even the most discerning of tastes. For example, vegetarian and vegan meal specialist, jikonilondon.com offers complete meals (available hot or cold) and weekly subscriptions delivered straight to your door. 

Ordering pre-prepared dishes will save you considerable time prepping food and doing the washing-up afterwards. Not only that, you’ll likely find you vary your diet more and may even find inspiration for creating your own dishes.

Keep important items in the same place

How often have you been rushing to leave only to find you’ve misplaced your house keys? Give important items like keys, mobile phones, your handbag etc a home. If you already know where things are, you’ll save yourself frantically searching each time you’re going out. Indeed, the same applies to any household items you commonly use e.g. paper, important documents or TV remotes etc.   

Learn to delegate

Most kids are inherently lazy – it’s not their fault, they have far more important things to think about like SpongeBob SquarePants. Giving your children simple household tasks will save you a lot of time doing mundane chores. If you give your kids an allowance, agree a set of jobs they need to do to earn it – e.g. setting/clearing the dinner table, helping with the washing-up or keeping their room clean. Having your kids do tasks to earn money is also a valuable life-lesson and helps prepare them for work later in life. 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Home & Interiors

Fun DIY projects for your kitchen

We all know that the kitchen is the heart of a family’s home.  If you would like to give your kitchen a new look, but are not yet ready for a full renovation, don’t worry! There are plenty of crafting projects that you can create to refresh this area of your home.

In this post, you will learn how you can give your kitchen a fresh, new look by adding fun lettering and quotes. All the fonts in the examples are available for free at Creative Fabrica.

Creative Fabrica is the ultimate font and graphic design library for creatives and crafters. Here, you can find all the resources you need for any crafting project. With every purchase, you get a lifetime license for personal and commercial use.

 

The members of Creative Fabrica’s subscription plan have access to unlimited product downloads. To get a taste of what you can do with these assets, you should take a look at their Freebies category. As you will see now, their free fonts are premium, unique and versatile.

This post features six homemade decorative projects that you can create to revive your kitchen. Take a look and get inspired!

Create a big poster for the main wall of your kitchen

The poster in the image has become the centerpiece or this minimalist kitchen. It’s smart and elegant at the same time. The stylish Predators font makes this simple quote look undeniably chic. The handwritten cursive strokes create a well-balanced, striking composition. 

You can design a poster like this yourself. It’s straightforward! Simply install your favorite font in a design tool, like Canva. Type your text and align it to the left. Add a complementary background color and send it to the back. Make your text white, and it will pop out!

Some printing companies can directly print your design on a canvas. If you’d prefer you can simply print your design on paper and add a frame yourself. 

Customize an apron with a message

An apron is an essential garment for anyone who spends hours in the kitchen, and is the perfect way to keep your clothes clean whilst cooking or baking. Once you have finished using it, you can hang it in a prominent place in your kitchen to display a fun quote or a charming message.

The font that you can see in the example is called Roustel. This handwritten type is perfect for sharing a message in a quirky yet fancy way- It is fun, fresh, and easy to read. 

This font is a digital asset so you’ll have to create your design on a computer or a tablet. Once you’ve finished creating a layout, there are many ways to transfer it on to your apron – why not try printing it out and making a stencil! You can color through the stencil with special cloth markers.

Add a message to your kitchen towels

If space is limited, you should avoid cluttering up your kitchen with unnecessary decorations. In more compact kitchens, the best option is to decorate the tools that you use every day. This way, you can craft something handy, unique, and aesthetically pleasing. This customized towel is a perfect example of a kitchen tool that is both beautiful and practical.

The font on this towel is called Potato Pancakes. This bold lettering mimics the appearance of a brush pen’s strokes. You can use this font to create any message that you like.

If you have a cutting machine, you can cut out your design on vinyl. To transfer the vinyl to your kitchen towels, you can use an iron or a heat press. Your design will remain in its place, no matter how many times you wash the towel.

Create a lovely card to announce the daily menu

This decorative idea can also be very practical. Surprise the members of your household by announcing the daily menu with a fancy card. You can create a template and customize it as many times as you need. This idea can also help you decorate your house for a special occasion, such as a dinner party.

The card on this example features the Colombia font. This elegant sans serif type fits almost any project! It’s stylish and comfortable to read, so everyone can see what’s for dinner.

You can print out these cute cards with a domestic printer. For an extra charming touch, you can experiment with different textures of paper. Your guests are guaranteed to be impressed by your attention to detail!

 

Decorate your mugs with a message

If you store your mugs on a shelf where everyone can see them, this idea is perfect for you. Cups belong in the kitchen, so why not use them as decorative elements!

In the example below, you can see an elegant mug with simple lettering. Sometimes, less really is more: basic designs are easier to combine with other elements.

The font on this mug is called Open Heart. This handwritten type is a swirly variation of British Copperplate calligraphy. These letters can be used to create a fancy and minimalistic effect. 

To customize your mugs, you can print or cut out a stencil with your lettering. Paint over it with special ceramics paint. Sublimation is another good alternative for professional-looking results.

Create a customized calendar

Having a printed calendar is always handy, so why not make it cute? Use one to create a beautiful point of interest to any wall in your kitchen. 

In this image, you can see a calendar page that features the Mama font in the title. It’s fancy, energetic, and expressive. These handwritten letters are perfect for displaying the name of the month. You can create twelve variations – one for each month of the year. Experiment with colors and illustrations to give every month a unique look. 

You can also experiment with the way of hanging these custom calendar pages. What you see on the image is just a suggestion. You can hang all the pages of your calendar together or only display the one representing the current month. 

 

Now it’s your turn to decorate your kitchen with sweet messages and letterings. Have fun creating the best designs for your home.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Features

Persuasive Essay Writing Guide

Writing academic essays has become a major part of modern education, especially in schools and universities, since they appear to be the most effective approach to assess students’ proficiency. They do this since it is a multi-targeted approach to see and evaluate their pupils’ knowledge. Not only does it demonstrate the author’s expertise and understanding, but it also allows the reader to see how the concepts are put together. Considering that essays are the simplest kind of academic writing, it is crucial to have a strong start on them before moving onto other, more complex writings.

Writing an essay demands a certain structure and layout, which makes it appear to be a difficult assignment for pupils. The majority of students are frightened of university essays, since they need more complex linguistic abilities and take a lot of time to complete. One option to obtain aid is placing an order at a paper writing service online, which can either design your reference document or perform the task for you if you are unable of doing it yourself. For a very low charge, they have professional writers on hand at all times who are capable of authoring academic writings.

If you don’t want to miss the objective of the work, you can’t skip some aspects of this sort of academic writing. In order to write a persuasive essay, it’s crucial to grasp the rules of the game before you start writing.

WHAT IS A PERSUASIVE ESSAY?

A persuasive text gives a viewpoint on a topic or theme that is supported by evidence. The writer has to actually be quite well-qualified and possess high quality writing skills in order to perform the task as it should performed. He (or she) has to convince the readers to support the position described. Not only that, but the valid evidence should also be found, analysed and provided in order to back up the point of view, as this is basically the point of a persuasive essay. 

laptop

Pic Credit: Pixabay

The particularity of this type of writing is that it appears to be quite an emotional one, compared to other genres. It includes writers personal position concerning the topic, which may make it more complicated to keep professional, as some emotion has to be shown. These have to be real in order to appeal to reader’s heart and just in general be touching. That is why persuasive essays are quite a popular instrument of the advertising field, as it makes people genuinely believe that they need the product being talked about in the text. 

ESSAY OUTLINE

An essay that is well-structured is an excellent essay, especially if it is persuasive.

The general format is similar to that of other types of essays: an introductory paragraph that introduces the topic, provides background information, and, most importantly, establishes a thesis statement (the final sentence of the introductory paragraph that describes the essay’s main focus and is supported by its central ideas); body paragraphs, which are a specific type of paragraph.

TOPIC

Choose a topic that interests you. When it comes to something you genuinely believe in, you’ll do your best persuasion. Choose a topic that appeals to your own sensibilities if you have the choice. There will be research to be done anyway, but having a strong view on your subject will make it simpler to defend it. To create a successful persuasive essay, the writer must first comprehend the reader’s viewpoint. If you want to influence readers to believe and agree with you, you must first understand who you are talking to.

INTRODUCTION

Make the direction of your text clear for the reader. A compelling writer should start with a categorical statement that communicates their point of view clearly. Starting with a fact, research findings, or any other evidence that directly says facts supporting of your thesis will instantly tell the reader of the essay’s topic, your stance, and whether or not they’ll continue on to see whether they will agree with you. 

In this form of writing, contentious problems make excellent topics. It is critical, as with any genre of writing, to pique the reader’s interest right away. Hooks are a set of techniques for doing this. An anecdote, a joke, a remark, or a significant statistic linked to the topic under discussion may be used to begin an essay. Students will also give background information on the issue to the reader. This will set the scene for the discussion and briefly weigh in on some of the opposing viewpoints. Student writers should convey their own opinions and give a quick preview of the arguments they will make later in the essay.

MAIN BODY

Each body paragraph should only explain one main point. This will ensure that the essay is clear and focused throughout. Furthermore, such concision makes it easier for the audience to read. It’s worth noting that each paragraph in the essay’s body must have a logical connection to the thesis statement in the first paragraph. Some paragraphs will use evidence gathered during research to actively support the central idea. It’s also crucial to explain how and why the evidence backs up your statement.

ESSAY CONCLUSION 

During this part of the essay, some students may have difficulty. If you want your reader’s mind to be impacted immediately, this is it. Because of this, it must be effective and reasonable. Never introduce any new material in the conclusion; instead sum up what you’ve already said. Make sure you’ve clarified your argument, rewritten the relevance of the problem, and reviewed the most important elements. Consider to include a brief discussion of the necessity for further study in light of your findings.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Mamma Musings

Checks to Complete before buying a used car

Online shopping has been a craze which does not show any signs for fading. From purchasing small items such as clothes to large objects including cars. Whether this is being advertised privately or on car sale sites such as Auto Trader or eBay. It is always worthwhile checking the new vehicle price from a reputable dealer or motoring site such as here which will give you an indication if you are getting good value or not. 

With the increase of online car sales, there has also been an increase in cars being sold which have a hidden past.  There are many steps you can take to avoid buying a car which has been damaged, stolen or still has outstanding finance. 

Easy and Simple Checks to Complete

There are many easy checks you can do yourself whilst viewing the vehicle. They are many buyer checklists available online but we will discuss the import parts to check over whilst viewing any used car.

Tyres

This is more than a simple kick to each wheel. Many years ago, this was a way to check tyre pressure or worn bearings, but these days they are better ways to go about this. When you look at the tyres, try to get down to that level on your knees. This will give you a better viewing point for the tyres. 

Check for things such as Tyre Brand and Tread. Remember the legal minimum is 1.6mm, so if they are below 3mm we would advise budgeting for some new tyres very soon. While the brand of tyre may not cause concern in most sales, if the seller has budgets on a premium sports car this may also need changing to ensure better performance. 

Check for Defects?

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Ensure you look over the vehicle bodywork during the day, and when it is not raining or the car is wet. This will ensure you get the best viewing of the car as dull light and water droplets can hide blemishes. Along with checking the bodywork for these marks, also take this time to check for kerbed alloys.

After checking the paint, don’t forget to check the glass to. Check for chips or cracks in each window. Remember anything in the drivers eyeline this could lead to a future MOT failure.

In addition to the outside, ensure you check inside. Notice any strange or overpowering smells when you first open the door, and inspect everything from the dashboard to the seats for stains, tears, or blemishes. Do not expect a used car to be perfect, but visible flaws can help during negotiations. The same careful attention to detail is valuable when evaluating opportunities such as commercial leasing in austin, where condition, value, and long-term suitability matter greatly.

Do not expect a used car to be perfect, but some blemishes can help you during the negotiations.  

Check Panels 

After looking over the bodywork for scratches and dents, look at the gaps between the panels. These should be symmetrical and consistent through the vehicle. If you notice that one or more panel gap seems to be overly large or small this could be a sign of repaired bodywork after a car accident. Another indication is that they are colour differences in the paint between the panels. 

A great way to check if a car has been in a major accident is to conduct an online Reg Check. For under £10, these reports will conduct over 20 different history checks on the car and highlight any issues to you. These issues can range from write off details, police stolen report, outstanding finance and so much more.

Check Fluid Levels

It is always a good idea to check the fluid levels on a used car. The most popular ones include oil, power steering fluid and brake fluid. Low fluid levels could mean poor maintenance of the vehicle which could lead to issues in the future. 

Whilst checking these, look for any potential leaks under the bonnet and where the car is usually parked. Also check under the Oil cap for any white liquid. White liquid is created when coolant mixes with oil and could be a sign that a head gasket has or is failing. 

Check Electrics

Check everything. From the window controls, wing mirrors, air conditioning, radio to sunroof operations and automated seat movements. Pretty much every button you can see, try it! 

Whilst checking each light, look for any chips or cracks in the light cases, or any moisture inside the unit. 

 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Features

Unique ideas for styling your home office

With so many people now working from home, the home office has become more of a necessity than it ever has been. Whether you have a dedicated room for your office or you have made yourself a corner or space under the stairs to get your work done, it’s essential to have it organised and a place where you feel comfortable and motivated to work. 

If your home office was looking amazing, then it might be just that little bit easier to roll out of bed and get straight to work, so all you need is some unique ideas for styling your home office.

Stools for storage

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Remember, this is your office, no one else’s, so you don’t have to stick to any traditions or rules; if you find you can work better with the TV on or sitting on a beanbag, then who’s to tell you not to? So, with that in mind, if you want to store your files and documents in a stool, then go for it.

Who says your home office needs shelves and drawers? There are some great Ottomans you can get for home office storage, which not only make an excellent space for keeping papers, but they also look stylish and provide somewhere for you or other people to sit. 

Go wild with your walls

You might imagine an office has to look professional, plain, and even clinical, but it doesn’t, and it’s your office, so you can do what you want and make it your own.

Whether it’s painting the walls, your favourite colour, adding pieces of art to create a gallery on the wall, it’s up to you. If you want to make it more personal, then add photos of your loved ones and look for picture frames that can be styled to fit the size and shape of your home office. Take a look at picframes.co.uk for further inspiration!

A desk doesn’t need to be a desk

When looking for a desk, remember that you don’t need to go over to the ‘desk department’ to find what you’re looking for. 

There are plenty of things you can use for a desk and if all you need is to rest your laptop on a surface, then choose a stylish dresser that you love or if you don’t want to be sat down all day, then choose a stand-up desk. You have the freedom to do what you want and build a place that really suits your needs and desires.

Think outside ‘the home’

Does your home office actually need to be inside your house? If you have a garden shed or a big enough garden to build one, why not create a home office space outside? 

If working from home is going to be something that you will do inevitably now, then it’s worth looking into creating a more permanent space for yourself with a short commute down the garden every day. 

The best thing is, if you can design this office from scratch, then you can choose where you put your power points, your windows, decide how large or small it will be, and make it properly insulated so that it’s as comfortable as being in your home. 

 

Note: This is a collabotative post
Mamma Musings

Top Tips for Helping Your Kids with Maths

Maths is such an important part of our kid’s education, because it is an essential life skill. Mathematics helps children to make sense of numbers, patterns and shapes and it also encourages them to think of new concepts and ideas.

Being positive about maths is hugely important. Many parents doubt their own maths skills or worry that their teaching methods will be different to current school techniques; however what many parents don’t realise is that they can teach their kids maths by simply applying it to everyday activities.  

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Read on for some great tips from an independent school in Surrey on how parents can teach their kids maths at home…

Home Learning

Help to develop your child’s math skills by practicing together at home. This doesn’t mean text books and calculators; simply teach them how they can spot maths in everyday situations. For example, you can count money, play games or measure objects. Encouraging your child to explore maths in this way will greatly enhance their numeracy skills and help to make learning fun. Use kids math games and worksheets to better involve your child in home learning math.

Online Learning

There are many online resources that can support your child’s maths learning, including educational apps. These are great because they can be downloaded onto a smart device, such as a phone or tablet. Many of these apps are free and often include games, which will help to make maths more fun. Download a maths learning app onto your family tablet and see who can get the best score!

Learning Tools

If your child is learning their time tables it can be helpful to display them on a poster at home. Find a large poster that clearly displays the times tables from 1 to 12 and pop it up somewhere they will see it every day. Regular revision from this poster will aid their memorisation and their understanding of multiplication.

Playing games

Finally, spend some quality family time together playing board games. Board games are another great learning tool for teaching maths because they get kids practicing without even realising. Dominos and Monopoly are both great games for practicing maths and reinforcing key STEM skills.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post